Is there any problem with controllers or examiners if I cross a stepdown fix
several hundred feet above the depicted altitude? I believe that, legally,
I can be at any altitude above the crossing minimum, but would this be a
bust of the PTS +/-100 tolerance, or cause a problem for ATC?

For example, take the SEA VOR 34L/R approach. Assume you are cleared for the
approach at 5000ft. Profile is 5000 at FACTS - 6nm - 3000 at MILLT - 6.7nm -
1600 at DONDO, which is the last fix before descent to the MDA. I can set up
a nice smooth descent at 300fpnm, arrive at 1600ft well before DONDO, and
avoid even thinking about a level-off by crossing MILLT something above
3200ft. Would that be a checkride ding?

-- David Brooks