John Smith wrote :
Your recommendations are exactly what I do.
If the controller gets huffy, acknowledge the new instructions.
When you get on the ground, call and talk to the supervisor.

I agree with John. Airborne is no place to argue or correct ATC if
there's no immediate danger.

Given that, I'd say that the pilot in the original post was
absolutely correct in his assesment. A pilot does not need permission
from a tower controller to manuever outside the class D. Although,
it would be courteous to inform them of the manuever. Particularly if
there is a lot of traffic inbound/outbound to the airport.
John Galban=====N4BQ (PA28-180)