Greg Esres wrote:
Even if it is ATC's responsibility do you not think it prudent of the
pilot to keep ATC informed of what he intends to do, as part of the
cooperative spirit?

I've been reading this thread with somewhat growing alarm at the rate
it's turning into a ****ing contest, but I think Greg hit the nail on
the head here.

Whether or not the controller goofed in reading me my clearance or
listening to my readback, I'm now convinced I goofed too. Since I'm
used to getting the SID and was surprised that I didn't, what I really
should have done was tell the controller, "I'd like a left turnout
direct Carmel". Either he would have come back with "approved as
requested", or "Unable, fly the SID". Either way, we would have all
been on the same page which is always a good thing.

I now return you to the ****ing contest already in progress :-)