I find that PPLs are just as bad as Mil pilots when it comes to declaring Mayday etc, and I can see some of the reasons.
Reports etc.......
However, I don't think that will stop the AAIB from nailing my fat ass to the wall if the brown stuff hits the fan.
".....the controller should have understood that it was an emergency and acted accordingly...."
I find that it is poor airmanship to NOT declare if you have some sort of problem that means you cannot get down without priority, or have to make a forced landing.
To bitch if you are met by blue lights beside the runway are plain rude!