Thanks On Track, I agree that is as written, however to be standard altitudes the quadrantal 'rule' would have to be adhered to. The consequence of it not being, I would argue, is that there is no such thing as standard altitudes that are flown.
Other than during doing PPL and coming across it on forums I don't recall anyone ever discussing it during flight, or planning.
If your post was demonstrating frustration at the fact the suggested standards are not adhered to that is another argument.
BB