Matt Whiting wrote:
This seems less likely, but maybe the clearance was only to intercept
the localizer and no approach clearance was given. I can't imagine why
a controller would do this, but stranger things have happened.

I think there are levels of learning to flying instruments. The first
level is learning to do all the stuff right, and that gets you past the
checkride. A higher level is the realization that **** happens, and
knowing how to deal with it without making a crisis out of it. Controllers
make mistakes. Pilots make mistakes. Charts have errors in them.

In the situation at hand, the most likely explanation to me is that the
controller made a mistake by letting the flight pass the FAF fix (GS
intercept on an ILS) without issuing an approach clearance. OK, so he made
a mistake. Three demerits from his QA department if they ever find out,
but for now, just ask him for vectors to reintercept further out and get on
with the business of flying the airplane.