In my travels, I have found the PC staff to be very accomodating and pleasant (most of my club visits are at EWR). I think that what you encountered was probably more the exception than the rule, but if you are really disturbed, you could write a letter to the Presidents Club (offices) and relay your experience and tell them about the environment that you felt you were in and see if that is consistent with the one they try to provide.

At any rate, if you travel through EWR a lot, I think that you will find that the one-year membership fee will more than pay for itself.