Very very interesting Adam. I'm sure you know that attiudes here toward VFR transits of controlled airspace are far, far worse, to the extent that arguably most VFR pilots don't even ask.
Interesting comment. My experience of VFR crossings of CAS is exactly the opposite, I've never found controllers that are less than helpful. Same with Danger Areas, I can count on one hand the times I've been refused a crossing. I'm often bemused when sharing a flight with flying pals who will produce the most convoluted route possible when mine is usually a straight line from A to B. (Avoiding class A obviously)