pilotwolf,
You have been very lucky. In fact I'm really envious.
I had about six instructors for my PPL(A) - and no, I didn't frighten them all off, honest! Although I could ask for advice, phoning them wasn't really done - if they were there you could ask, if not....well, I got advice as and when and where I could, or I didn't, as the case may be.
For my PPL(H) it was a little easier, and I did phone my instructors (I had two). I don't like to generalise about this as I don't really know, but I think that kind of relationship is more common in the helo world, perhaps because helo instructors earn more, and also because there are less students and they're determined to keep those they've got (I'm a cynic I know). But the sort of relationship you're describing just isn't that common. It should be, but it isn't.
I realised recently what I hadn't known - ANYONE can start a flying school, employ a freelance instructor or two as and when required, and start advertising for students. As someone pointed out to me, how else could it be; the checks and balances are at the instructor and examiner end of things. True...but it still seems all wrong to me.