we've been told you guys will ask if you want it and not to offer
That's funny. We were told not to ask - if it's available, it'll be offered! (Although I think most of us worked out a while ago that this isn't actually true).
In terms of requiring a more favourable runway, I can't remember ever being asked for justification. There might be an additional sequencing delay, but no discussion or argument. While ML leaves a fair bit to be desired, I reckon ATC there do a good job with what they're given.