The absolute limit to this method is receive only air traffic control. Typically used at flyins and the like, where the orders are based on visual feedback control only. I got in trouble once because I didn't know what a 1939 Bianca whatever looked like a mile ahead of me.
Definitely things happening quickly in the air, where radio clarity and brevity are paramount.
Sounds like you've done the Rippon to Fisk VFR approach into Oshkosh for the EAA Airventure fly-in... I've done it probably a dozen times... always interesting.
For those that don't know, the sheer numbers of aircraft arrivals requires deviation from normal airport procedures of aircraft sequencing arrivals. For the visual approach into Oshkosh, air traffic controllers are position along a 20+ mile pathway, and arriving aircraft are to sequence themselves within a minimum 1/4 mile staging and be at specific speed. Ground controllers with a set of binocs and a handheld radio will assist the sequencing and give control directions to aircraft with just aircraft description.
My plane was a polished aluminum, and one time ATC said "silver Cherokee, you're gonna be a 1/2 mile trail behind the red and white doctor killer..." (V-tail Bonanza). Even though acknowledgment is no radio talk but to wag the wings, I had to get on the freq and chuckle a "roger".