I thought they weren't particularly friendly at the first meeting but they became very friendly. If there's one thing I would advise it is try again. I think they don't want any old Tom Dick or Harry going for it so they give most people some kind of trial to test you 'Thai patience'. For me it was lots of issues at the British Embassy and the Khet in Bang Kae. When a couple of male civil servants insulted me when going for the Thai name, after needing to get my Birth certificate translated and verified and a heap of other needless requests like my parents' passports translated etc, I nearly gave up. So glad I didn't and just took the whole process one step at a time.
Maybe the officer thought your wife was asking how much to make things easier.
Once you get over the initial bizarre requests, it really is just waiting for 3 years. Getting a note from a doctor isn't that bad in the grand scheme of things.