Shame on that ATCO!
Only two things really annoy me when I'm controlling - people who talk too much and people who talk when they don't know what they're talking about.
Under these circumstances, it would appear that the pilot had the better overview of things, and he definately did the right thing.
As for berating and arguing over the R/T - what a prat! Any professional should know that if you have a point to make, it's better made over the 'phone where others cannot hear you. (If people think you're stupid, don't open your mouth and prove it).
Sadly, there are a few atcos (and pilots I suppose), who will launch into a diatribe without thinking first, they're usually the ones who know a great deal about very little.
------------------
It wasn't me.