The FOM is a bit over the top, but i don't think there is a problem a layman, student or pilot asking for a question to be answered or problem solved.
I remember asking a CAA examiner when i did my IR test why the CAA didn't produce a standards document regard hold pattern timings, etc.
Is reply was "your flight school should know what is required of the test by now".
Which to say the least was a really useful reply, when there was three methods being taught at the school i attended.
I learnt a lot by listening to a rather loud CAA examiner revalidating some sim. instructors in a nearby classroom, thinking why the CAA couldn't give a mass brief to a whole room full of candidates, to get the story straight instead of hearing it second or third hand.