[calcapt]

Ajaay, Balli, Freal and Smltz are all depicted as "do not descend below altitudes." There are no hard altitude requirements for this approach. It is perfectly acceptable to intercept the GS at 6000' and I would strongly recommend it as it is more comfortable for the passengers and you do not run the risk of descending below a "at or above" altitude as you are working to step down repeated times. Once you intercept the glideslope you can then set your missed approach altitude (in the case of a Boeing) and be done with it. Why increase your workload in such a critical phase of flight? The asterik allows ATC to descend you to 5000 or 3800 to intercept the glideslope without taking the altitude restrictions for the preceeding fix(s) into account. If ATC says "descend and maintain 3800' and cleared for the approach," you do not need to be concerned with the 6000 over Smltz or the 5000' over Freal. They have simply told you to intercept the glideslope closer to the runway and at a lower altitude than usual. Perhaps they needed you at 3800 feet for traffic or some other operational reason. If you are way out and are descended to 3800' by ATC, you may want to insure that you will remain in Class B airspace as to the east of Atlanta outside 20 nm the Class B floor is at 4000 or 5000' depending on where you are. Houston used to have a habit of getting you to 2000' a little early arriving from the east, and I occasionally see it happen at other airports as well. No big problem, but awareness and coordination with the approach controllers is a must.