Asda..........I started this same topic a few months ago, and got exactly the same response from the self-same person.
It may be prudent for people to read up the number of incidents that are caused by wrong readbacks........and yes, we in ATC get blamed for not picking them up !
And might I just add something here......ATC instructions are mandatory, as stated in the Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control Regulations.
I think the main thing we as ATCers are trying to say is, that any instructions on speed/heading that we ask you to pass to the next frequency are done so to provide an established separation. They are, therefore, VERY important and not done just for the hell of it.
Yes, we are all a team, trying our best to get things done safely......but really, Huggy, if you read your initial post you should be able to see the vehemence in it ? No wonder some in ATC have had their cages rattled !