FTA train mainly commercial pilots for the airline industry. One would imagine therefore the policy whether official or otherwise would be to train the students for the reality of life in the workplace. That is to fly the route in the shortest and quickest way possible. If the student can't cope with that then better to find out early so to save the student and/ or his sponsoring employer money by culling him/her from the course.
After all can you imagine any commercial employer putting up with the following scenario..The task is to fly a say C210 Parafield to Pt Lincoln to collect fresh oysters for export to Middle East. The pilot elects to fly the safest route being always within gliding range of land. This would take him north to Pt Germain ( north of Port Pirie), across the Spencer Gulf to Point Lowly, then down the east coast of Eyre Peninsular. Twice the distance at least to the direct route. How long do you reckon that pilot would last in that job?
Different if you are flying privately of course. Then you have the luxury of deciding your route as you are the one paying for it.
The only advantage aviation has over surface transport is speed of delivery. This is due to the ability to travel in straight lines, and the speed aircraft can fly at.
The reality of life so get used to it.