As the link points out, its often used to 'force' students to get air law out of the way before first solo.
I,ve often thought this to be detrimental to students progress.
The student can reach a peak of confidence, suitable wx. etc. only not to go solo because air law has not been passed.
Pre solo all that is needed is knowledge of collision avoidance, light signals, aerodrome signals, right of way.
I would much rather see a simpler, say a twenty question exam thats requires 100% pass on the above.
The instructor can then satisfy himself that the student has the basics, most important part of air law learnt and the student has more confidence (he/she has passed an exam!).
Many has been the rainy afternoons trying to explain transition altitude, quadrantals to someone who barely knows what an aircraft looks like. Plus the student begins to think its all very hard. It becomes a selection procedure, to discover who are most determined to come to grips with it.
For most learning to fly is a hobby, its meant to be fun,
not a tedious drudge, through pages of crap.
Whats important behond the procedures is knowing where to find the information. For instance, who cares how a charity flight is paid for...look it up.