3 Greens: I'm a bit confused

I realise that one asks for "Class Charlie Services" when flying through the LA basin and other areas in or close to class C airspace, but I have always asked for "VFR Flight Following" when out in the sticks ie over the desert or the ocean. Is it correct to ask for Class Charlie Services when flying well clear of Class Charlie airspace when asking for radar cover??????????? Not a criticism of your post, I'm just just puzled!