D.O.
often patiently dealing with long winded stumbling transmissions from supposedly experienced pilots
Now, now don't go dragging me into this, no need to get personal
Back on subject, the way I see it you're in uncontrolled airspace so you're on your own, any help you get from ATC is a bonus. As for getting anxious about approaching a zone while waiting on standby this is what you train for as a pilot, expect the unexpected, be the boss and take charge of the situation by perhaps starting an ad hoc hold. I do it all the time when i bump up against CAS that has snuck up on me earlier than i thought it would and am told to keep clear. As MJ says be careful which way you turn to circle, I've had a few bollockings for going the wrong way. You can normally tell when you have turned the wrong way as the second "remain clear of controlled airspace" call normally has a bit more of an authoritarian tone.