I trained in the UK in 1977. We were taught how to steer the tow plane. I've only needed/tried to steer the tow plane to better looking sky a couple of times in the UK and a couple of times in the US. One of US tow pilots seemed clueless, otherwise it worked fine.

I once had a release failure in the UK. Open Cirrus "B". I flew abeam left and rocked the wings three times. No response at all from the tow pilot. The release finally let go. I had landed at one UK site and needed a cast-iron thermal to get to home plate. Got there okay and had the CG tow hook replaced before flying the Cirrus again.

Released once in anger when the tow pilot gave the wing rock. Out of fuel. 180 return from 200ft. Proper apology for departing without fuel.

Sometimes you get what you pay for, sometimes not.

Frank Whiteley