I wonder how many IR holders could pass an initial IR check ride - and indeed why they would want to. I know I probably couldnt if I turned up tomorrow claiming I was a first time student and wanted to take the test.
The "initial IR check ride" as you put it seems to be an artifact of the gold-plated IR as a gatekeeper to professional licences. EASA seems to have rejected any notion of examiners being delegated by an NAA, let alone them being employees of the NAA. Examiners will be individually certified and monitored by EASA. To presume the double standard of testing that you imply is, of course, in line with your presumption that there will be no change in the training requirements for the IR. I think you underestimate the EC's and EASA's commitment to change.