A Squared, I think that's what I'm suggesting- just not so blatantly. It is a choice one makes for themselves and one should always think well before choosing, knowing what further possibilities such choices may bring.
Do what the ATC wishes and that will mitigate the other problems as well as can possibly be done. Discover their wishes privately and discreetly- in person or via telephone- and those who don't really need to know probably won't. With them on your side any legal issues will probably be swept aside as they should be.