Correct, a pilot is supposed to navigate the plane...but when they need help and might be a little confused or disoriented, it is best to ask for help rather than risk lives in not only the actual plane, but on the ground or in another plane. I don't see what is so hard to comprehend about a pilot needing help. It is always better to ask for help than to let a situation get a hold of you and risk lives.
I don't understand your other comment either. The pilot was being cocky? I'm sorry, but if the pilot was really cocky, he wouldn't be asking for assisstance would he? He'd be trying to do it like a big shot and not ask for help - do it all himself.
Now, I don't think what the controller said was that rude or extreme but it definetly didn't warrant that long winded explanation. Help the pilot and then give him a number to call if you really want to tell him that sometimes you are busy and can't help him.
Don't be so quick to judge - englishpilot.