That's PPRune for you phd,
Say the least thing positive or up-beat about anything in the world of aviation and you'll usually get at least two or three bozo's all over your case.
Personally I had an experience similar to yours with the CAA - friendly and efficient and as someone well used to private medicine (I live in Ireland, private medicine is probably the best option if you fancy staying alive - public medicine here is appalling), I can tell you the CAA medical is actually quite good value.