It sounds as though your perception is indeed as clouded as you suggested yourself.
The wise instructor and examiner is always on his/her guard when flying with an unfamiliar pilot, particularly one who purports to be experienced. As was instilled into me at CFS, it's the good students who are potentially the most dangerous as they tend to lull you into a false sense of security.
Assume the little beggars are out to kill you until they prove to the contrary!