We're talking part 91 GA here. I know a lot of DPEs. Lets just say they can't go on forever without ever failing anyone. Lot's of wiggle room for inconsistency. May not be worth hanging your career on a situation where you don't know the lay of the land. If it's your local patch and you know everybody, then you should get at the very least a fair ride.

Watch out for package deals. Some have a rep for passing all comers, but some try to cut costs by minimizing the prep part of the package which can lead to a "sporting" checkride.