The sim world: I had a return with a 'small' tech problem and advised (sim) ATC of the 'problem'. Some jabbering on 'R/T' during the approach between 'ATC' and a 'runway inspection vehicle'. Sent around as the vehicle had not vacated the runway in time. Debrief: "You should have declared that you required an assured landing to ensure that the runway was clear for you."
The real world: Broke off an approach due to a technical matter that needed a bit more consideration, ATC wanted to know what assistance we needed. None needed, just a slightly different landing with no adverse performance considerations at all. They said they would advise tower and they would ensure greater spacing for traffic following us. Landing was a non-event but ATC couldn't have been more helpful.
Maybe some TREs are just trying to prove that they don't really know the real world?
However, over the last couple of years I have had some of the best TREs that I've ever had with excellent training value. They do exist!