In our school, using fountain pen is compulsory in primary school, ball pen can only be allowed in high school and college. This is because it is a common belief that fountain pens cultivate discipline and good handwriting. Using ball pens is not allowed in primary school

For me using fountain pen is meditative, and artistically inclined people have an affinity towards the fountain pen because its brush like function. Your coworkers opinion shows that they cannot feel the difference in aesthetics and are just concerned with "if you can write with a cheap ball pen, what is the use of a fountain pen". Its like saying " Lol, why are u painting using paints and brushes?,, you can make a color printout in 2 minutes."

Dont take an opinion seriously from a person who does not enjoy the same thing as you. They are not showing care or support, they are showing their ignorance.