I think this is very specific to the particular Class B you are in. I've heard of some where the controllers don't want to be bothered with the extra 4 words). But I also fly and teach in Class B (or just under it) frequently and, even when providing heading and altitude vectors for practice approaches under VFR, we get "Cleared into the Class B."

It may in fact be difficult to sustain a violation against a pilot who has been given a specific instruction - both altitude and heading that takes her into the Class B.

I've also had the experience of being transferred to a another controller who did not know I was cleared into the B can asked what I was doing there. Nice to know "cleared into the Class B" is on the tape.

Magic words? Maybe not? Maybe you can be cleared for an approach when IFR, receive an IFR route clearance, cleared for takeoff of landing at a towered airport without hearing the magic word "cleared". I don't think you can but maybe...

Maybe there are instructions ATC can give you that will substitute for a VFR Class B clearance. Personally I think that "cleared" is a very specific word with a very specific meaning and I'd much, much prefer to know that I have been "cleared" to do something that requires a clearance than think I have been cleared.

Is it so very difficult to say "Confirm N1234X is cleared into the Bravo" that we'd rather guess?

If I don't hear "cleared" I assume I'm not.