I'm probably going to leave myself open for a good kicking here, but Priscilla you mention your confusion over what a pilot is expecting "service wise" from a request. You also mention the service provided depends upon the class of airspace.
To throw this open a bit wider, what sort of requirements are there for pilots operating in foreign FIRs to know what service they are asking (I apoligise in realising this is starting to draw a little parallel to our infamous F15 situation, but this has crossed my mind before).
Different services (RAS, RIS et al) all seem to have little "add-ons" in various parts of the world. As probably a request for "Special VFR" does as well (UK and Canada being one instance).
Any thoughts from our drivers?