Being asked to "verify direct XXX"

keep the DB current and there's certainly no reason at all they should
expect that I do).


no one except the PIC checks to make sure a plane's panel-mounted
database is current. ATC sure doesn't.

No kidding. My point was that, being that it's a _VFR_ GPS and that I
did _not_ file /G, I am under no regulatory requirement at all to keep
it current.


What you are saying is the equivalent of a /G airplane with out
of date databases. You are NOT legal to fly IFR with out of
date databases (there are exceptions but in general, the answer
is no).

Yes, there are exceptions for enroute ops, but that's another matter.

Not to be Mr. Police Officer or mean about it.....you said you are
newly minted IFR pilot when did you
take your written test? Did you study the Gleim. there are only
about 10 questions on GPS including a couple on the exact
thing you are asking about. I took mine not too long ago (my
checkride is coming up)

I took it it November and got a 98%. I am aware of the regs governing
IFR GPS use. No offense, but you missed my point.