In my experience, that's what most people are looking for when they
request
VFR-on-top. They're issued the whole "climb to and report reaching
VFR-on-top, no tops reports, if not on top at 4000 maintain 4000 and
advise"
in lieu of a hard IFR altitude. They depart, climb through the clouds,
cancel IFR, and proceed on their merry way without having operated
VFR-on-top at all.

Actually our local controllers (if sierra approach can be called local) are
pretty much on top of this since what they issue is: "Cleared to xxxx via
xxx departure. Climb to and maintain xxxx. If not in VFR conditions by xxxxx
maintain xxxxx and report." No VFR ON TOP in their clearances.

Howard


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