I recall when I was in flight school, it seemed that those who had no prior flight training soloed sooner than those who did. Too many habits causing them and the instructor grief. These students were actually told "do it my way or your history."

May have to lay it on the line here if he wants to continue or not. if he keeps bring up "well on the simulator I". Then get on him.

We had a guy here who wanted to fly badly. Simple trainer and he was well aware the plane was nothing overly expensive yet he was always so nervous. One day he showed up sick and on meds. Best flying day he ever had.