wrote
Actually, they don't.
They seem to, because so few are willing to challenge their authority.

Because nothing positive ever happens when you do.

I remember back a few years ago soon after the PTS was changed and
specific holding pattern entries were dropped.

An examiner insisted on the "proper" entry, and failed the task.

He was forced to reverse himself when it was challenged with the FSDO.

So what happened? Was the student issued the rating without further
testing, or did he have to fly another checkride? If the latter, then
what was gained?

Michael