Dallas writes:

I don't know how they do it in Oz, but up here you get to pick your own
examiner. These people derive reasonable income from their exam fees.

If an examiner gets a reputation for being too tough (or being too much of
a dick), the word gets out and nobody uses them.

Pilot examiners have to walk a fine line between being desirable to flight
schools and tough enough to filter out candidates that are not qualified.

Obviously they are motivated to not be too tough, but what consequences do
they risk if they just let everyone pass?