Okay, here comes another anecdote, just to keep the conversation friendly.
As a British Pilot, I took the RT,course, practiced the patter, and made a habit of listening on Channel 9 when flying UA as a pax. Approaching London, was delighted to hear the following exchange.
American pilot politely and properly requested Direct to Bovingdon.
Heathrow Director politely and properly declined.
American pilot asked again a few minutes later, also according to the Queen's English as she is spoken over here.
Heathrow replied "Sorry, sir, cannot approve that routing as it would take you through a danger zone."
Speedbird pilot, unidentified, chipped in: "Go for it!"