Medium Large Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic
Weather
We were given the SENIC departure DAG transition; but soon after takeoff we were being vectored around the airspace.  The occurrence happened with the second SoCal frequency.  I believe it was with 125.35.  The initial heading was 180; then to a heading of 210 with a climb to 4-5;000 FT.  A heading of 090 and a climb was given and was told to expedite the climb.  We climbed out as fast as the plane would take us; the only problem was it was much warmer about 25 C so our performance was not as stellar as it usually is.  Next we were told to climb 12;000 and expedite through 10;000 FT.  From what I can gather a voice came on; not the same voice of the Controller; maybe a Supervisor saying in a very snippy or rude voice; 'Aircraft X am I missing something?  Is something going on?  Why are you not climbing like you normally do?'  I came on and stated that we were climbing at 185 knots with a climb rate of 1;700 FPM; and we are doing the best we can.  I also looked down to make sure we were in the climb detent.  We had no separation issues; we did all that we were asked to do; but not up to the Controller's expectations.  I feel that the Controller could have handled this in a way that could have been more professional; instead of snipping at us on the radio.  We were quite taken off guard by the attitude of the Controller toward us.  I understand it was busy and there was a lot of traffic around in a highly stressful situation.  This could have been handled better.[The] plane [was not] not performing as the Controller thought it should.  We put it in the climb detent consistent for passenger comfort and held the airspeed under 200 KTS.  On any other day we would have had a very good climb rate; but for the current conditions we did not.Maybe we were to slow in initiating the climb; but we had to take in account passenger comfort.  I don't want to throw it right into the climb detent in speed mode at 200 KTS; which would be very uncomfortable for the passengers.  Having better situational awareness of how the plane was performing; and it was warmer than usual at that altitude.
Pilot describes the climbout of his aircraft as being slow due to outside temperature; when a Controller asks him about his climbing capabilities that are lacking.