MAM operates mainly for Qantas, as Qantas SEP procedures use several "memory recall" drills they are actually required to be word perfect.
As I understand it this is the regulator's requirement, not the airline's.
It's the same for pilots' memory recall items- you MUST know them word for word.
I do know this was recently found to be lacking in the Manila decompression which meant the procedures were again changed and cabin crew MUST know that particular drill word for word.
It sounds in this case if the original poster failed the SEP course, that they would have failed the drill on several tries, not just the one. You get a re-sit on anything you don't pass the first time but the pass mark goes up (IIRC it starts at 85 or 90% in QF and goes up to 95% or 100% on subsequent re-sits) A fail in the resits means not passing the course.
So, not so silly after all. The worst that will happen is you can ask and they will say no. Try another airline in that case. But, it seems worth a try as it's been quite some time.