"One of the reasons that there appears to be a non standard application of some items of R/T phraseology could be age related, I was taught a certain set of phrases at the ATC college back in the early seventies and, in the case of my employer, you never go back for any kind of modernisation or upgrade; besides which I can honestly say that if it works why change it?"
You poor old chap.
I am sure that "radar heading" was never taught at rating level as an item of RTF phraseology. As far as modernisation is concerned, that is the very function of document amendments and AICs. It would be useful if more people read them and actioned them - the subject matter is not exactly rocket science!