Some instructors and some people just don't jell.Sometimes it's the fault of one or the other, sometimes it's just one of those things.If you are still interested try and find another instructor.
I agree that people in the horse world have a funny attitude to paying.Spanish trainer fed up with the number of people who want him to break a horse in 3 weeks.He says he can't do a proper job in that time.
No and in fact it is better to ride a schoolmaster in those situations that can help you out comfortably rather than scaring the life out of a very green horse.
I absolutely would try someone new, even if relatively unknown, if I liked them.I did with the Spanish trainer and it is the best thing I have done in the horse world for a long time.I find him competent, very,honest and professional.The yard he is at and where I am now keeping my horse is a bit...
Just read it today.It is about things you may not be totally truthful about to your partner.The funniest, to me, was "Yes, this is a brand new made to measure saddle but it was just a lucky buy on Ebay.".