IFR checkride in IMC: PASSED!

Congratulations!

David Brooks wrote:
First attempt at the checkride. Icing forecast at 6,000. Examiner said
"No problem. We probably won't go much above four." The FIRST
instruction I got from Portland Approach was to hold over Battleground...at
6,000. Lots of flying around in turbulence trying to maintain heading and
altitude, listening to PDX warn people about the weather.

I had a similar experience approaching my hold. The examiner, bless him,
murmured "outside temp is 34" and I told ATC "Unable, icing". They
immediately gave me a lower altitude.
I think I had the same experience as you: being able to keep my cool with
layers, icing, and an unexpectedly OTS VOR, helped compensate for, umm,
pushing the envelope of the PTS.

There you go! Never let ATC put you somewhere you don't want to be.
Sometimes you have to assert yourself, but know the rules and protect
yourself at all times.