I think the OP was just describing her reaction to some of the things that he was doing. Being an experienced hobbyist I am sure he knows what to expect.
I am the same way when I go to a place that I having been going and know what to expect from most of the providers there. There is a baseline to work from. If I have to lay out every services I need from any one I see especially those I have never seen before - but based on the reviews posted here - then it becomes a chore. Many times I had been surprised but in a good way.
I have also been in the same shoes as the OP. My solution is to stop going there if it is new place that I have never been. If I know the owner, I will let her know. Yes, I/we are only a CUSTOMER - one of many. They will not missed us just as we DO NOT miss them.
Also I take some reviews posted by certain individuals with a HUGE grain of salt. There is a conflict of interest in some of them. Yes, it is YMMV but some of them are so over the top that it is bordering on FANTASY.
Of course, some gets extremely defensive when their Favourites - whether it is the provider or the Spa itself are being thrashed.