I have no problem with coming in a bit high, low, whatever, doing what the tower says
You're the captain, and you are the one who 'says', not the Tower. You must of course comply with ATC instructions, clearances etc assuming there's no compelling reason not to. The final descision as to how you fly your aeroplane is always yours as captain. Along withe the responsibility of command goes the right to be the boss.
I've always found UK ATC to be quite excellent and highly professional with a clear understanding of their and the captain's responsibilities, and they have always been a joy to work with; the same isn't always true of A/G or AFISOs (not the Barton guys - they know their stuff!).