@plainpilot11
You've mis-titled your thread. It should be "Arbitrary ATC bashing". In my experience, ATC provide variable service, sometimes exceptional, other times questionable. Your thread is clearly based upon your assessment of the possible ATC factors in the loss of QZ8501 but to say that pilots should demand clearances from ATC rather than request is elitist. Rather, we should plan ahead using all resources available to us and, should we not receive the clearance or assistance we require, if necessary transmit an urgency or distress call. Then, if no clearance is forthcoming, at least other aircraft on the frequency should be aware that an aircraft might be deviating in such a way that might infringe their own airspace.
Controllers might sit in comfortable chairs but I would hazard a guess that their job is more stressful than ours from time to time, particularly in the terminal area in poor weather.
I agree with your final comment.
STP