Agree, I hate simulators and check rides well.
10 years ago I was giving line-checks and IOE on the B-747 and saw it from the other side.
Sure I gave some slack if the candidate could fly and had the big picture despite a few boo-boos.
One time after a long night with little sleep we took off from Lima or some other place in SA, me in the jumpseat and the Captain being checked. We had to leave the gear down for brake cooling, 2-3 minuttes or so.
All 3 working crew members forgot the gear was down and started cleaning up and speeding up.
After another few minutes I mentioned the gear was still down.
No limits exceeded, no harm done.
No need to do rub it in or give them hell. All 3 remembered very well and for a long time what had happened.
Other guys, who could not fly a good airplane never got signed off.
I learned stuff after that job when I was on the receiving end of check rides for other companies:
Come well prepared, be polite and keep your mouth shut, excuses don't fly. And again, well prepared and know your stuff.
The ride will be easy then.
Sadly, some check-airmen take the job to lubricate their egos and use the position to "be the boss" and put people down.
There is less and less of that with strong CRM being practiced and demanded, but a few rotten apples still remain.
My last re-current with AA was less than pleasant for me, but probably great for the check-airman, he could pontificate and shine.
I held my tongue and passed the ride, but if his name comes up again, I will refuse and rather request a different guy.
Perfectly acceptable after you are done with the probation.