Have they really gone back to that insanity of requiring logbook signatures
at landing airports on cross countries; or is this just his particular
instructor?

Really? I didn't know this wasn't a common rule.

Every FBO around here has their own special stamper, with "I certify
that __________ did fly into ________ solo" that they use on every
student's logbook...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"