Btrbill: He was cleared to intercept the localizer at 5000', and then further cleared the approach when he was established.
That means he has to maintain 5000' intercept the localizer, and then follow the procedure as soon as he was given the approach clearance.
Every controller would expect a pilot to maintain 5000' until otherwise cleared... (the approach in this case when he was established)
One of many reasons: he was vectored above an aircraft on downwind at 4000', and there would be no room beneath until he was established.
Intercept localizer is not an approach clearance
