This isn't good advice and I find it really wrong that it's become the norm here. If they got the UK VS offer fair and square, and they'd rather train at the UK firm, they are absolutely entitled to do the VS and shoot for the UK TC. They have something to gain here (literally a different jurisdiction that they want more), and they earned the chance to try it. Even if it weren't a massive difference like it being a different jurisdiction, they just wanted this second firm a little more, the best advice is for them to take it. I understand that it is frustrating not being able to secure a TC, but that doesn't entitle anyone to give advice not in the best interest of the person seeking the advice.