Hi Anthony. Having spent 95% of my working life as a professional air traffic controller I would doubt very much the accuracy of your statements! OK, a percentage of pilots and controllers exchange "niceties" but to suggest that is the reason for you being unable to make your calls is nonsense. I doubt that Liverpool is particularly busy so the R/T is probably more relaxed than elsewhere. However, having worked Heathrow ATC for 31 years and always wished crews "gooday sir" I don't think you have any grounds to complain.
And where does the "Irritable ATC" come in? You never explained that..
Good luck with the flying.... wish I'd gotten a PPL but it's far, far too late now.