Yes, there are some who want new flyers to buy the best stuff immediately or they lose interest in helping them. My first engine was a super tigre and the second time I was out I needed a little tuning help and the instructor suggested I replace it with an O.S! I don't suggest changes unless I see something that really won't work.

Which brings up another point to consider. Instructors are not created equal. There are widely varying levels of competence as pilots and teachers, and of course different personalities. If you get a guy that you can't understand or who won't or can't explain things to you, tactfully move on to someone else. Do understand that instructors are volunteers so they aren't exactly there to jump at your every whim (a word of appreciation goes a long way too, as does a box of doughnuts) but you should be able to get some nugget of learning out of every session with them. It also helps if you know what kind of learner you are and let the instructor know how to explain things to you the best way.