I can't imagine why anyone would question it. I like getting a "require", it's unambiguous, ends the discussion and means I don't have to decide anything (my inner public servant loves that).
Nautilus Blue,
A very reasoned and logical approach.
Unfortunately, quite a number of your colleagues do not see it that way.
Slightly off thread is a controller (in Australia) suggesting I could not deviate from track to avoid going smack into a Cb --- "Clearance not available, maintain current heading".
In this case the reply was "I did not request a clearance, we are advising you of our intentions".
Tootle pip!!