2 Donkeys
I don't want to get into an argument, but you said...
So F3G, you are suggesting that if during the course of a checkout, you demonstrate a basic handling flaw, the best course of action is to blame the instructor and find a new one....?
Now that wording is ambiguous and I took it as personal criticism, but apparently it was not.
With all respect, it was not as simple as smith being failed, since we also know that another instructor contradicted his instructor.
I would not expect that kind of contradiction in a professional FBO or school. Why should one instructor disagree with another to a student? Who knows, but I can understand why Smith is feeling confused and disconcerted.
He (or she) is also paying for professional service and does not deserves mixed messages.
If this situation makes smith feel uncomfortable enough, then let him consider finding another school or instructor.
If the same mishandling occurs again, then the result will be the same.