ATCBob,
No argument with your ATC experience, I was referencing 4-8-1 Note 1, which says,
The altitude assigned must assure IFR obstruction clearance from the point at which the approach clearance is issued until established on a segment of a published route or instrument approach procedure.
So, you looks to my pilot’s eye that being in a 7800’ MVA between the SKW flight and CEGAN that might be legal, if exceedingly unwise.
GF