That particular school used Post-It Notes instead
Same system used at my flying club! As you point out they probably don't like anything in the "Defects" column as it means the aircraft would not be available for the rest of the day. Mind you this was after 5 pm - but no doubt the staff have their instructions.
By the way, I am not seriously asking to do away with the A check - its just that one is taught to take it very seriously and then in the next breath told the opposite! Obviously one does have to use one's judgement and not follow it blindly but opinions differ. At another club a Cessna continually used fuel from one wing only until it was exhausted. No one bothered much about it except for one instructor. An examiner agreed with him and had it looked at.