These are great stories, I hope that you guys take the time to tell them at some of your local flight schools so that those new prospective pilots, can learn from your mistakes. As a controller I try to share experiences with new pilots so that, First they don't fear controllers, and secondly can learn that if it doesn't sound right, it probably isn't right so say something.
Education is the key to KNOWLEDGE, so share your experiences, so that others don't try to repeat them.
Mike
NATCA FWA