I understand your frustration. You came to court thinking that this was "your" day and ready to plead your case in front of the judge.
Unfortunately (for you, at least), this kind of courtroom practice is so commonplace that I have yet to see a court that doesn't do this.
Typically, in a given jurisdiction, there are a handful of attorneys that handle large volumes of collections cases. Each such attorney will have a specific time that all of his cases for a given month come to court, i.e. the second Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m.
There are SO many cases that, to go through the motions of a trial with each one, even if it's an uncontested trial, it would severely bog down the system. This, especially given the fact that about 90% of the cases resolve to a settlement in that back room.
Further, in pretty much every other type of civil case, there is required mediation. So at any rate you would have had to engage in out-of-court settlement talks no matter what the case. Our court systems are just overwhelmed these days, so courts have to find ways of reducing the number of matters that come before the judge.
As for the attorney dictating this whole affair, that isn't really the case. You were entirely able to say nebs on the negotation and demand a hearing based on the evidence. And your demand was granted.
It was set for 90 days out not because that's when the attorney wanted to do it, but because that's when the court's schedule will allow for it. I know it seems like a long time. But the process of civil law is a slow, lumbering beast.
For example, if you wanted to set a trial date in the State of Indiana right now, you would probably be looking at some time in 2011. Complex cases can take well over five years before they are resolved.
I know you feel like you're being railroaded and that you aren't being afforded the rights guaranteed to you by the law. But fear not, you will have your day in court.
Best of luck!