hummm.
Big Grecian,
I kinda agree with you, that the examiner is there to be treated as a "knowledgable passenger" - as my examiners put it.
But they're not *just* that though, are they? By the very nature of the fact you're raking a flight test, one can call into question (before the onset of the flight) your capability or otherwise to control the aircraft in a safe and efficient manner - and therefore the examiner is also there to act as a safety pilot; to take control of the aircraft and ensure it returns safely if the student is incapable of doing so.
On that basis, I would say it's bloody irresponsible of the examiner to not test their own ability to bring the a/c to a rest?
However, do agree that the flight(s - if we include IR and CPL) should be conducted as SPA.
One more thought though....if I were genuinely flying someone SPA in a Seneca, I wouldn't be offering them the front seat, unless they could be trusted to do things like "shut the door", "test your brakes"....