Even the best prepared applicant can potentially freeze up, have a momentary
lapse of reason, etc.

I agree with that.
I failed my initial CFI checkride 11 years ago over special VFR near the end of
a 5 hour oral. I just couldn't explain it right...for no good reason either.
Never even got to the airplane.
Went back a couple weeks later and breezed thru it, flew and passed.

As for IR stuff...I get to take a checkride every 6 months either with a
company check-airman, the FAA or both.



-John
*You are nothing until you have flown a Douglas, Lockheed, Grumman or North
American*