@Frank *************
I totally agree with that. He might have success with an appeal. But who is to say if he has to deal with that particular officer again in the future, and maybe get greaf about it making it harder to stay here.
I know it might not be the most popular opinion. And surely it's not fair.
But in smaller areas where they are more likely to remember you. I would not risk filing an appeal unless it was for something outrageous or impossible to overcome. Better to find a way around it. Do what they ask with a smile, and be done with it.