I was a controller for 25 years in the en route environment. When I would give a climb or decent clearance I could care less what the rate was. I monitored it and if I needed more I ask for it. If there was traffic I would either give a crossing restriction or a time to be at an altitude. Same with a descent. Most controllers have no clue how an aircraft properly enters a hold much less what the AIM says. When I was an instructor the trainee would give a clearance with the phrase "give me a good rate." I would ask him/her what a good rate was. Of course their answer was based on a guess of what the pilot thought a good rate was. My version of a good rate is 10% if I'm lending and 3% if I am borrowing. If you're given a crossing restriction or pilots discretion there is no rate.
Remember the AIM is regulatory by nature. I have never know a pilot to be violated for not following the AIM. Not saying it has never happened.
As for the original poster. Co-operate and graduate.