Gee Whiz... Storm in a teacup or what???
My initial post was light-hearted bit it seems as if nowadays light-hearted comments are treated a bit too seriously on PPRuNe.
When thinking about this situation though, the atmosphere for PPL instruction should be professional yet as relaxed as possible. Don't you think the sight of gold bars might in the eyes of the PPL student might make things more serious and formal than is needed. After all a PPL student is learning to fly for a hobby!