At last, a reply from a pilot. Thanks 'tired'. I have to say that my personal inkling, as an ATCO only, is surely speed control for arrivals and an extended routing for departures, if that is what is required, to get aircraft in or away on time. It seems to make the most sense to me, after all, if a pilot can't accept your speed limitations then he will surely tell you. Hopefully most of you pilots feel this way but however you feel, please let us know.
P.S. By the way Chilli, I can assure you that i can/will be able to achieve a sequence using either method but want to know which is the preferred method for pilots (in general!).