Sounds like someone was wanting you to hear a more positive explanation regarding that particular Study Bible. I happen to have one of the older NIV Study Bibles.
I have a very used NKJ Bible sitting here beside my computer. When I want to share a passage, I look it up from This Bible and share. I, also, sometimes check wording with a KJV Thompson Chain reference Bible that was my husband's -- that was his favorite Bible. And I have an NIV plain Bible by my bed for reading.
And there are those who love the older English useage. Feeling that it was 'good enough back then, so it's still good enough Now". Which is fine, also. Just as long as there is no judgementalism being shown to others who don't share those feelings. Years ago, my younger son pretty much was a KJV onlyist. In S.S. one morning -- the guy sitting next to him was using an older NIV and my son offered to share his Bible with him. My son's attitude was 'here is a Real Bible to read'.
If I'd been at that breakfast -- if it was for pastors and wives -- I'd probably have taken the voucher and gotten the other book as well.
Now -- if a group was encouraging the New NIV Bible -- That one isn't worth the paper it's printed on.