Pondlife,
I disagree with this particular examiner as well. As BEagle mentioned its good to cover everything during the briefing, but I do not see anything wrong in checking the wings and carb heat for icing.
The examiner later told me not to bother teaching to do icing checks because it ups the work load and if there's any chance of icing then you wouldn't do the trip in a single with no de-ice anyway
I also do not agree that if theres any chance of icing then you wouldn't do the trip....... If used
properly IMC rating is get out of the trouble (clouds) rating. Which in theory means that a PPL holder has encountered unforcasted weather. Perhaps there was no chance of icing or even chances of going in the clouds, but you are in there anyway.
By all means continue teaching it. I make the students here in FL check for icing in the middle of summer (sometimes as hot as 40 degrees C).
All I can say is keep up the good work and congratulations to your student.
Cheers,
Jatin
