Numerous ATC Handoffs

[Orlaam 306]

I have no problems with the default ATC. I have RC4, but lately haven't been using it for the reason I like to go to uncontrolled airports and I can't hear the other traffic.The only thing the default ATC does that can screw you is leave you too high on approach. Most of the time, no matter what, I have my chart book for the arrival airport (I bought all of the U.S. ones on paper!) and I try to anticipate what runway I'll get per the 122.000 comms from Active Sky or wait until I get the approach clearance. Unfortunately in the sim, ATIS won't tune in prior to the point you're given approach instructions, so you can't use it to preselect the approach. Anyhow, once I'm given the runway I select the option to select a different runway and/or approach. If the field has open parallels, then I will go for those thinking they're less trafficky. Scroll through the choices to approach (GPS, ILS, LOC, ect...) and a transition, then request it from the controller. If you play your cards right, you can fly right to the transition and things go very smooth.I'm also sure that if the transition or approach isn't the same as in the sim, you can still fly the way you want and ATC will leave you alone. I was on an approach I chose one time and was nearing a no-fly area, so I made a large turn to go around it and ATC never said a thing. After you choose the approach, ATC will only issue descent instructions, and most of the time they match the charts. Experiment a little and you'll find the default ATC isn't as awful as most seem to think. My last two flight were into places I'd never been and the whole process was perfect. It could've been CAT I conditions and I'd been on the runway like a pro.IMO, getting the approach clearance 100 miles out is a benefit, that gives me time to prepare and set things up so it works out textbook.