A lengthened hold is something I've used many times and ATC were very helpful in allowing it. It proved useful one time when approaching destination with not a lot of extra, but a faint chance of getting in as the back log of traffic at destination dissipated. Our Altn was 80nm away. We arranged a hold at 30nm FL 100 from destination with 20nm legs towards Altn. Just before turning inbound we checked if we could expect an approach next time over the fix. No was the reply so we were well paced for an 'on-path' descent into Altn.
The reduced amount of turning makes the whole exercise more relaxing as well.