Purpose of the ATPL FLT TEST
Best advice I've heard from someone:
Only get the ATPL when you physically need it. Most airlines and major operations with T&C will conduct their own flight test (in approved facility and of course examiner) So theres no rush to get it until your in a company and have worked the time to upgrade to a command position anyway...
I've heard that two people have thus far taken the test both were successful prospective command upgrades with two operators (one was a charter company) both supervised by CASA (both in the operators sims) and it was no different than a standard instrument renewal with a few questions tagged on the front (both were very lenient on KDR's) as the box on test form says "tester must be satisfied knowledge is adequate for issue of licence" etc etc which means you'll be asked relevant operational questions (none of where is the best FL for a B727 BS....