ATC out to get us?

The response was something like "both requests approved as requested" ...
No "cleared". Yet I felt that there was sufficient clarity in the
approval of my request.

Should I drag out and send in a NASA form?

Yes.

I agree there was sufficient clarity. However, if the FAA is willing to
bust people who don't hear "cleared" (or is willing to allow such a
rumor to circulate unchallenged) then they have to give us the correct
wording.

Jose
--
"Never trust anything that can think for itself, if you can't see where
it keeps its brain." (chapter 10 of book 3 - Harry Potter).
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.