Change to Nishio style of Aikido - we don't have a 'stance'... that kind of solves this dilemma...
Also I don't do what I tell my students to do.. It's a common problem with instructors.. we may know more than we are able to do.
On a serious note. I know you are a beginner, but it seems you manage to pick up the essence of your senseis teachings. Keep that up, and try to do what he says. If somebody tells you different, decide on each occasion if you want to follow their suggestions, or you just want to stick to what you have been told previously.
Eventually you need to take responsibility for you own aikido, so experiment with anything that sounds like a good idea, and develop your own style that matches your body.
We are all at different stages of our 'aikido development' and you should always apply your own sense of quality and judgement every time somebody tell or show you a new way to do a technique.
And remember to have fun.
JJ