Sounds like a typical problem of someone wanting something for nothing,
@Anthony.
Its all too common here in the DC/MD area....the way of all flesh lately...
In your case, someone wants all the knowledge without putting any effort into studying the topic or personally experimenting to learn....they want the answers but don't seem to care about having a proper fundamental understanding of the topic.
Making someone learn on their own is torturous to these types of individuals.
They seem to think "why should I have to do the hard work when someone else already knows?"..."why should I have to ever do any real work for anything ever?"....
My question for your specific topic regarding soil mix would be, do you think the one's wanting all the answers without the legwork are even serious about the art of bonsai?
How serious can one be if they won't even pick up a book?
I have had trainees at work who are the same way...they have no interest in the field, they dont like the work, they are generally ignorant people, they don't put forth any effort to gain knowledge or experience of any kind....but they expect a paycheck at the end of the week as if they are entitled to it.
Not to put down an entire generation, but they're all "millenials"....as am I...
Can we really blame millenials for being so ignorant and lazy or is it a result of previous generations coddling and overprotecting them?
I don't have a great answer for your question, unfortunately....
I guess what I would do is, try to make them realize what their end goals are....in bonsai and in life...they may have life plans that make bonsai not realistic....or they may think they like bonsai until they realize all it entails, like a fad....
Do something that will simply make them begin to think, instead of just asking others for answers.
Bonsai is an ongoing labor of love.
Its not like tacking a band poster to your wall and calling the room decorated.