john smith wrote:

I couldn't pick up my clearance using the published RCO frequency, so
I
departed and contacted approach.

The RCO there is fussy. You have to transmit for a full second,
release for a full second, and repeat 3 more times.

I wish there were some general guidelines published for fixes to file

into for CBAS satellite airports when filing an area
navigation/direct
flight plan.

This info notwithstanding, Detroit is a special case this week. The
Ryder Cup is in town, and general aviation air traffic is exceptionally
heavy in the area, especially at 7D2 and at PTK.

I actually heard this dialogue yesterday:

DET APR: N1234, Fly heading 200 to intercept, maintain 3000 'til
established, clear for the ILS 23L approach.

N1234: Umm, clear for the ILS 23L, we have a request.
DET APR: N1234, we're not taking requests, just fly the ILS.