Completely agree. Again, don't take offense StudentFlyer, but I can relate to your position. When I started my PPL training, I thought pretty highly of my piloting abilities...I had been flying simulators since I was 4, landed on my first flight of training, held altitude and heading nearly "perfectly," as I'd like to have thought, etc. My CFI recognized what this probably meant for my ego and whipped me into shape stat. He made me respect aviation and always challenged me, forcing all the arrogance out of my system and replacing it with curiosity, respect, and a healthy regard for procedures and checklists.

It seems like this is what you need to do. You say that you are an outstanding pilot...but, you have failed 5 checkrides. What you are doing clearly isn't working. Messing up basic stuff, like not hitting the OBS button, shows a lack in fundamental airmanship. Open your mind up to improving yourself. Just because DEs and the FAA think you are a good pilot doesn't give you the right to massage your ego or think there's nothing you can do better - as one CFI told me, "you can't propel yourself forward by patting yourself on the back." You're screwing basic stuff up - stuff that simply slowing down and following procedures could fix. Aviation is really pretty simple, but people make it a lot harder and more complicated than it needs to be.

Stop sulking and trying to prove to other people that you are a good pilot, and start being that good pilot you wish you could be. You will notice the outstanding improvement in your abilities...I know that I did.

Let us know how it goes! Good luck, blue skies, and calm winds.