Cleared....
I think that we are singing from the same hymn sheet here!
I too like aviation, but have never been and will never be a spotter! (ain't that right Silent Handover!!!!!)
At the end of the day, it is, as I said, professional pride. Every day I see people ask questions or say something to a pilot that makes me cringe. Not because they have made a controlling error per se (we all do that) but because it is concerning something they should know about an aircraft type.
My tip to any trainees is to find out as much as you can about the aircraft that you may end up working with. Have a good all-round knowledge but know lots about your base a/c, particularly their limitations.
Knowing little innoculous things will help you save face and IF it all goes wrong, may even help you one day.