*shrug* I work customer service, so I have an understanding of what the person who wrote the response is thinking. A lot of people expect people in the automotive service industry to simply give out information. I'm willing to help people with what I can generally (otherwise I wouldn't be here), but when it comes to a business where you make money because you took the time to learn a specific trade, it's just not good business sense to give out specialized information, and it's kinda rude for people to expect that from you.
Could it have been worded better? Yes. But I understand where they're coming from, and it's hard for some people to remain civil when you get that question a dozen times a week.
I found them to be very rude and snotty on the phone also. They think they are doing you a favor by even talking to you. I sent them a nasty E-mail and told them what they could do with their business.
Anybody that agrees should also send them an E-mail telling them what you think of them.