The OP has the right attitude and the right concerns. He just uses the wrong instrument. I reiterate my suggestion to go out with an incident light meter.
I suggest this:
one/two days going around only with the hand-held (incident and reflected) light meter. No picture taking, only playing with the instrument.
one/two days of going around with hand-held light meter and digital camera. Note readings, take pictures, compare results. See how easy, and better, is a separate light meter.
After this, he'll be confident enough in the use of his hand-held light meter and will be able to leave the digital at home (when he doesn't need it for taking pictures, that is).