Perhaps they've changed. This would have been back back in 2007/2008. I actually went in there a few times after I had got my PPL since it was so close to home. I figured that since ther rates where reasonable and it was nearby, what better place to fly. Problem was that asside from their Archer III I was very disappointed with their aircraft, and then this whole check flight thing came up.
I did one to start with, thinking that its fair enough if I'm going to be hiring their aircraft that the know I can fly one, but but then when I went back in several months later (after doing more flying from MB) they told me I was no longer current with them, and would need to do another one. Pigs arse I thought.
Its a shame really, because its such a nice location and has so much potential.
Hate to be the one to inform you but its the same at most (all I have encountered) schools; its usually an insurance requirement. Most schools at MB and all the schools at JT wont hire out aircraft without a check; even with 250hrs within the previous 3 months they've said no. The only reason I'm able to hire at MB or LIL without a check is because I've worked at both and friends with 4 or 5 CFI's and ATO's.