Talk every time for me. Listening squawks give you nothing that a Basic Service won't give you better.
Can I respectfully suggest that you try flying from the Lambourne VOR to the Bovingdon VOR, then route up to Milton Keynes via Cheddington, trying to get a Basic service from Luton on 129.550? You might get lucky, but if all aircraft routing similar tried to, no-one would get a word in. Just select the frequency, dial in 0013 ALT and keep your eyes on stalks looking out! You could try Farnborough, of course, but similar chances of getting a word in.
TOO