When anticipating a descent into the arrival airport, often ATC and I don't agree on the best solution.  They have their traffic separation issues and sector hand off requirements, so I understand.  But this leads to the question of what is the most common descent angle that pilots are programming into their Cheltons.

For this discussion, let's assume I'm VFR and ATC handoffs are not that important:
At TAS of 240-260 during descent, slightly more than 4 miles a minute, I sometimes wonder if I should be starting my descent from (for example) 16000' at 60 miles out for a -1000fpm VSI.  Obviously, higher altitudes demand earlier descents.  Often the ATC descent instruction (perhaps with a "pass YOCUM at or below 6000") requires VSI 1500fpm or more, which can seem excessive.

I can program the Chelton for a specific VNAV descent angle (under Menu>Bugs), which sets the "Top of Descent" (T/D) on the upcoming flight path (moving map).  What do you LIVPs usually use for descent angle or VSI on a comfortable descent, trying to stay at altitude for the longest reasonable time, yet not have to ride a down elevator too fast?

Thanks.

Jeff L