Although we, as controllers, don't know the specifics of each flight, ie: whether they departed on time, more headwind than expected, etc., it seems that 'ATC delays' are the catch all phrase stated to remove the blame from the airlines, the ground crew, the cabin crew, scheduling, or whatever. Why not just blame it on the ATC system, just another justification for pushing towards NEXGEN! (NEXGEN can fix ALL delay problems and get 45 mpg in the city, 50 on the highway).
EGFXXX checks on 40 miles from airport at 13000 requests straight in RY36. Told to descend at pilot's discretion to 2500. SKC visibility 20+. 10 miles out still at 10000. 'EGFXXX are you going to make it down?' "No problem". 5 out at 7000. 'ARE you going to make the airport? "Affirmative" . 3 out at 4500, "we're not gonna make it down". 'Roger, turn left heading 210 for your descent'. "Roger, Folks, it seems that ATC kept us up too high and now we're not able to descend to the airport in time, so we'll be making a 360 turn out here to the south for our descent". 'Uh EGF, that was on approach freq!'
Isn't it always easier to blame ATC than ....anyone?