As a general recommendation just tell the ABAPer your requirement, don't tell him how to do it.... he probably knows, or should know, better ways of doing something then a functional consultant.
And please don't tell people to copy standard reports, most of the times there is a BADI, enhancement, or an implicit enhancement spot available. I'm a consultant who can program ABAP (including complex programs), and I've never had to copy a standard program. Ever.
PS: And no, I didn't have to register the object for modification either.