I've heard a lot of RV pals also question Cleveland controllers' interest in working with GA into Class B.
When I was flying back from Massachusetts a few months ago, I called up and asked for permission into the Class B so I didn't have to go quite as far offshore as I did on the way east.
The guy didn't sound all that happy about it, but he let me in.
So it surprised me a bit when I
picked up some controller action flying east into Burke Lakefront for an Indians game last month. I had flight following and the guy was really great working with me -- even apologized for being late shouting up some traffic.
And when I needed to get under the Class B into Burke, he was cool, especially when I mistook the 1900 foot "ring" for the 3000' foot ring. That is to say: I was in the Class B.
Last year, flying into Medina, the Cleveland Approach dude was great.
Not sure what Cleveland's problem is. They're not even a hub airport anymore and don't seem that busy.
But is it a systemic problem or are there just a few controllers who aren't all that much fun?
But here's one theory: If you're already under flight following when approaching a Class B area, it makes it more likely you can get into a Class B area. I have not done enough research to prove that this is true. But I did attend a session with the head of the Farmington (MSP) facility a few months ago and when he mentioned at one point "we see you coming, we know what you're going to want," it occurred to me that already being in the system well before asking for entry might spur a little advance planning to fit you in.