One more: LAX Civet arrival to 25L. LAX approach is always busting your balls - faster, slower, faster again etc... As a new captain going into LAX years ago I was determined that the controllers were not going to micro-manage my flight this day. I was at 190 and Flaps 1 eight or nine miles out and was told by the controller to hold 230 to 5 DME. Frustrated, I told my FO to say "unable". He did and without missing a beat the approach controller came back with "let me know when you are ready to copy holding instructions"? I quickly assessed our options and picked the speed up to 230. We are now able to comply the FO replied. Great, the controller replied - switch to the tower now and have a great day...So much for my commanding captain theory.