There is a lot truth in this, and it is one of the many tests of a pilot, to assure that wise judgement always overlays decisions about doing what passengers "want to see". Obviously, some things are okay, and probably go a long way to promote appreciation for flying. But, it can be a narrow margin past that to dangerous - should not be attempting.Friends that fly with their pilot friends generally want to see the 'stall'
One aspect which newer pilots overlook can be that at the outset, everything is calm, and looks easy, and concentrating is easy. But then someone shreaks, someone else says they're going to be sick, and the pilot is busy recovering from somewhere that pilot should not have gone. The cockpit environment for concentration is gone - nothing but distraction, and problem.
I once did a design approval test flight in a 172, and subsequent "checkout" with the flying instructor who was sent to accompany me. When I asked him if there was any particular maneuver he would like to see me fly, to my great surprise, he asked me to demonstrate a roll. I told him "no", which was the right answer in any case, but I really thought he was setting me up. Nope, 'turns out that he had just never done a roll, and figured that this might be his chance to see one. I disappointed him, he did not see a roll. He did write me a very nice proficiency letter though, and signed it as the flying club's safety officer!
Plan the flight, fly the plan.....
