Flattery will get you everywhere.
I was 'picked up' for doing a reduced power manual g/a with a stop altitude of 2000' in a very light 737 sim - should have used full power. When I had finished spluttering and cursing I was told it was a CAA requirement IRT-wise for a manual g/a - and there was no discretion. No doubt that was correct, but obviously I decided to say 'what a good idea - would you sign my licence please?' - and he did.