This post covers a lot of what I'm asking - the interaction with ATC and the selected alt.
http://www.pprune.org/questions/3439...-question.html
http://www.pprune.org/tech-log/26664...ring-sids.html
Just to add, usual caveats about confirming the FMS legs and altitude restrictions apply. If it's relevant, the aircraft is not auto throttle equipped and vertical speed would be careful controlled.
The above thread is quite a few years old, and I'm wondering if the ensuing years experience has formed more concrete practices.
Thanks