I only make the heading or speed call if there is a reason to do so. IE, I think the forgot to pass off the fact that I was on a heading to the next controller, we are going way out of our way, the are going too fast/slow for what the environment dictates etc. As far as changing altitudes, if given a PD descent to cross a fix I'll call out of the cruise altitude only if it is slow on the frequency.
Clearance
ON request maybe? If so, I agree with you. Not only is it no where in the AIM but it doesn't even make sense. You may have filed it, it hasn't been requested yet. That's C/D's job to go request and then to let you know that they have done so.
Is this a military thing? Yet another one I don't understand. Personally, I'm trying to start a movement for people reading back "Doing the PeeWee". Follow closely now...
Position and Hold---->Take It Out and Hold It---->Doing the PeeWee
