Cessnababe, very true. I wish we could have the "old" system back of testing to get rid of the restriction. I learnt so much more in that test. I was more confident of what I was doing, was able to put together a much more refined patter. The examiner was able to dig deeper into my knowledge, or lack of and teach me something new. I also saw a different slant on how things can be done. All very humbling and informative.
The new renewal requirements have gone some way to addressing this.
Even the old system of a quick "test" on a new type was a great way for my CFI (FIE) to introduce new techniques or just weed out bad habits creeping in. It certainly hammered home a standard to be maintained in all my instruction. Your learning curve is highest at this point and this helped immensely.