Bob,
In my post above, I probably should have put the first two points in reverse order. Slow to Vmd first, then drop down to FL250. There is an additional saving here from the recovery of potential energy in the descent at idle thrust also.
Furthermore, for short range flights if advice of a long delay can be provided early enough, there is a sizeable fuel saving to be had from stopping the climb at FL250 instead of climbing up to normal cruise altitude.
Philthy