On a slight sidetrack.
If a controller in Germany tells you to squawk Alpha xxxx. Don't do it!
Well do it of course, the numbers bit, but he didn't mean Alpha.
Well he did mean Alpha but only in as much as if you don't have Charlie, which of course, you do, so its only to confuse you.
Are you with me?
So to recap, if you didn't have a choice it wouldn't make a difference but if you do, and do as requested, you've done it wrong!
I'll get me coat!