[m0dc]

The professor's attitude that you're talking about is perfectly valid - as is your own (opposite) attitude. The tension is a result of modern universities being dual-purpose.

On one hand, the university is supposed to be a crucible where difficult problems are confronted, hard work is accomplished by making sacrifices, and mature professionals are forged through years of dedicated effort. On the other hand, it's also the students' home and living space for several years, and it should provide the comfortable and low-stress lifestyle that most adults need to be mentally healthy.

Inflated tuition costs and degree commoditization have lead universities to adopt a "customer is always right" attitude, bringing the two purposes directly in contention in an attempt to please everyone.

The solution is probably somewhere in between. There's a place for puppy rooms, and a place for strict educational standards - but the two shouldn't mix.