When I did my training at Eurocopters and Helisim, I was told that they had to fail very experienced pilots who can fly very well but it was only on hands on flying. Absolutely no knowledge of the upper modes and automation provided! If this same pilot goes for the "conventional" base check he will get an A grade but will not be able to utilise his machine to the maximum.
On the same context, I have had some not so pleasant experiences with pilots not conversant with the uper modes and got to bad situations
