But the aircraft in question was /G, so he could fly direct MINES. And
MINES is an IAF, so an approach beginning there would be a "full
approach" ???


Yes, he could use GPS to fly direct to MINES. But if he wanted to use GPS why did he ask for the "full
VOR/DME 22" approach? Check the plate, there's a GPS overlay, he could have used GPS exclusively to fly the
approach. Requesting the "full VOR/DME 22" approach suggests the objective of their navigational exercise was
VOR/DME approaches, not GPS approaches.

I see what you mean, thanks!

John