I doubt anyone was really intending to be condescending. I'd probably recommend a revolver from the simple standpoint that it is easier to shoot and it rarely malfunctions. This does not, of course, take into account the act of loading or reloading either weapon type. It simply recognizes that the likelihood of a stoppage with your semi-automatic is significantly greater than the revolver.
We can argue both sides of the fence here. Lower ammo capacity, difficulty reloading, etc., but the fact remains that when you pull the trigger, the revolver will fire. We can't always say that about the SA, and a one-handed stoppage recovery is an advanced skill.
Having said all that, if your skill level is such that you can proficiently and safely clear stoppages and perform mag changes, then by all means; go with the SA. But if that was the case, I doubt he'd be asking for advice.
Well said.
This area is one I do take pretty seriously and as some might put it "a little too seriously"
What? I can't do ___. Watch me