IO540,
As I am sure my instructor would attest, I am not shy in voicing my opinions or concerns. He was my instructor for my PPL and I have a great deal of respect for the way in which he teaches me.
I feel the suprise simulated SRA was simply used to extend my learning from the hour and to ensure that the most appropriate progress was made. No mention of it was made in the briefing, because it needed nothing more on my part than the ability to fly set headings and descents as I had done for the previous 50 minutes and therefore was just a practical extension of the work briefed and then flown.
Furthermore, the fact it was simulated by my instructor giving the headings and heights meant I didn't pay anything more than a normal landing fee.
Should any briefings fall short of what I needed for that lesson then my instructor will be the first to know, followed shortly by you guys.
In any case, I have homework to do, namely reading up on VOR tracking.
Regards
Obs cop