"Rich Ahrens" wrote in message
...

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.


Just say no. You're operating VFR in Class E airspace, ATC has no authority
to issue a route or heading to you and no reason to do so either.