I have to go out on the limb a little and say that I somewhat agree
with Lee.
I find the instruction in my area (and probably true for most of the
country) to be very lacking in basic aircraft handling.
The best indicator is to watch how a pilot handles the controls on the
ground. When taxiing, does the pilot hold the yoke full aft? When
taxiing around, does the pilot use the propper aileron input?
In flight, does the pilot provide the propper rudder input and keep the
the aircraft coordinated in turns?
Rick has written about the failure of instructors to teach students
how/when/where to scud run. That's a survival skill. Just think what
else the instructors aren't teaching that the student needs to know
before they go out on their own.
Maybe this is an indicator of the failure of the designated examiner
system. You pay your money, you get your ticket... regardless!
Deja Vu all over again.