G-SPOTS
Believe me that I think I invented the phrase "Rules are for the guidance of the wise and for the blind obedience of fools" but I think it was Earnest Gann. Unfortunately most authorities do not take this atitude.
As regarding skimpy LPC check rides. I agree less than 1 hour is a bit tight, our average is 1 hour 40 minutes when done in the aircraft. However, you are not comparing like with like. Do not forget we have to do 2 check rides a year plus a line check plus a company check ride with the CAA. I would opt for your once a year in the sim if I could.
If you charter aircraft from time to time, try us, we are not as inflexable as you may think, just a dedicated small team trying to make it work (within the contraints of an AOC)