Obidiah, yes, it confirms we're on the same page. Pilots change planes and destinations and forgot to change the type or the change hasn't come through yet or we forget to change the details for subsequent legs. You might fly VFR for a leg or two and not tell us.
When you say "IFR" I know to look for your strip and I know I have to provide traffic - I might have to scroll the list to find you or you ETD might be too far in the future and I won't even have a strip but I can find your plan. But at least I'll know to go looking because you've said "IFR". If all else fails I will note your details, provide traffic and then make up a plan, becasue you've said "IFR".
Nose_Wheel, basically we're not policemen and we don't need POB to provide traffic or hold SAR so don't ask. If you're uncertain as to VHF coverage it makes sense to not block the frequency with a call the intended recipient won't hear.