Years ago (yes, really!) someone told me that 'an inward feeling of inadequacy will often result in an outward display of arrogance'.
In other words, from some people attack is the only form of defence. Deep stuff, but we've all worked with ATCOs who delight in scoring points against pilots, particularly inexperienced pilots - ask yourself why they need to.
North / South divide - sounds like a bit of paranoia to me. Yes ATCOs do treat locals differently - we expect them to be familiar with the area and procedures and are more tolerant towards visitors, giving them extra help where appropriate. If this is not your experience - complain to the SATCO - you are paying for the service.