Hi Mark. I totally agree with you. I am 59 and I am a novice. When they take me way up, I really get lost. I prefer about mid-height where I can see what the plane is doing. I understand that these instructors mean well. They want to save your plane for another flight.
I simply cannot see it up that high. I can't wait for spring and I will have a new radio with a buddy chord hooked up to the instructor and then I will let them train me and I will put my trust in them. Either that, or I need a pair of binoculars strapped to my face. Take care and good luck. Mike