I think you answered your own question.
"out of common sense i turned to avoid it."
Where I fly we are also given instructions by ATC in the open FIR, and on occasion are abused by commercial operators for getting in their way.
If I am given an instruction in those circumstances I am usually willing to change course or level, when asked. If it places me in danger by making me enter cloud or near to obstructions, then I would tell the ATCO.
Unfortunately in my area the local regional (sorry, International) airport is looking to control traffic outside its airspace, and some controllers like to give us orders. They are obviously looking for the day when they get Class D and can start refusing us access