Thank you very much for all the replies; it shows clearly that there is a system in place, including all the manifested procedures, and that it only works as good as the operator handles the issue.
Worrying is the fact that at both ends of the microphones and speakers are human beings with their own interpretations and reactions. It is clearly understandable that the adrenalin rush an ATCO experiences, after hearing the call, may lead to non-standard phraseology.....there is, however, also an adrenalin rush in the cockpit associated with the demand that any TCAS RA MUST be treated approriately.
Well, the situation I described did not affect my flight at all, but you put the coffee down and start scanning your system a bit closer.