So Virgin have it wrong?
First time I flew a 737 sim I was warned about the power / pitch couple: I was doing the core course. The 737 guys made a huge song and dance about it: turned out it wasn't really that bad. The briefing was over the top.
If I put you, Mach E, in a type you aren't familiar with, but I am, I can squeeze you, hurt you and humiliate you. Easy Peasy.
What does that prove?
The compromise is to let someone show you what they can do on their current type, or on a similar type, then put them in a different environment and see how they react. Airlines dont do that tho: they ask you to build trains from Lego collections or write memos to make believe pilot groups.
I've watched guys waiting on their sm trip. memorising power settings, fretting over the approach they have to fly, how to brief it etc for what?
Do I want to hire someone who briefs a great approach? Or someone who just gets on and nails the dials?