Steven P. McNicoll wrote:
It isn't proper for a Class B approach controller to issue a heading or
altitude to a VFR aircraft outside of Class B airspace.

And yet it happens all the time with flight following here (MSP). For
instance, a few weeks ago I was using FF returning from EAU to FCM
(Minneapolis Flying Cloud, southwest of the Cities and under the Class
B). When center handed me off to approach, I was told "Maintain VFR, fly
direct Farmington, direct Flying Cloud." No, not a heading per se, but
as good as one. And on numerous other occasions I *have* been issued a
heading that accomplished the same thing.