The DPE that we used 90% of the time was (is) a very fair guy but the higher you get on the ratings totem pole the tighter he got and I’ve done 4 rides with him myself. CPL ME add on, CFII, MEI and ATP.
On the latter three he was brutal.
Even though I knew him for over 10 years already I never expected any special treatment.
My initial CFI passrate with him was 66%. CFII only one ever failed.
Never had a MEI applicant fail.
Then again I didn’t sign anybody off with 5 hrs either.
More like 15-20 and I’d break into your house at night and wake you up and have you recite the definition of Vmc.
If your school uses Santa and quotes you 5hrs for your CFII and come checkride day and Santa is not available and they use a real DPE, get ready for a day of reckoning.
School doesn’t want to lose face and your instructor says you’re the greatest and you end up getting clubbed like a baby seal.