I think its because they had an agreement where pilots will consult dispatch when adding fuel BUT the more conservative approach will be approved; basically whoever wants more fuel will get it. There were issues with dispatch flat out refusing pilots for extra fuel, those pilots filled out ASAPs, and I think we are 3-4 months into the "new policy" where the more conservative path wins.

Still, me personally, I do get tired having to explain basic things we encounter all of the time to dispatchers, who should know these things, when flying places with minimum required Airbus fuel. If im going to file a crew LAX-LGA at fL390, I can assume there is a fair chance they might hit some chop along that long route and dropping to 37 or 35 will kill the fuel burn. I would love it if our dispatchers were all told to take these things into consideration when filing for flights and not just hit the "canned route" button.

That being said, I enjoy of dispatchers and like pilots, everyone can have a bad day at times.