Difficult topic, I myself passed on a “well known strict DPE” with a high unsat percentage. Many students avoided that DPE, but being the only one available, I took that DPE and didn’t regret it. That DPE was known for failing students on simple tasks, but showing him that I was fully prepared, fully aware of my abilities and failings but still safe to fly with he was incredibly easy on me and let me pass on my first try. All I can say to this topic is: Your mileage with certain DPE may vary. I think it’s also a evaluation of your attitude. Some don’t pass because of BS reasons, some pass even though they did minor mistakes. If he builds a trust in you after a good oral exam and you show a proactive way of handling minor mistakes, the DPE might be forgiving… But that’s the tricky part! I end up liking the DPE who was known as “Ripp-off” and completely strict and insanely difficult DPE character wise. But we also had a nice chat at the end where he told me that he was expecting mistakes, but as long has he didn’t felt the urge to correct me, I was a pass in his mind. And yet the sensation of him being a scam DPE sticks till today… I think the system needs an overhaul, I agree that some DPEs are way too easy since they are a “stable boi” DPE, meaning they earn by being recommended by that 141 school. But there are also the strict ones who take higher fees and still fail you with an surcharge on the check ride repetition (my DPE)… All I am trying to tell you is: don’t make it dependent on the DPE, take the one your CFI knows good (all the quirks) but also don’t expect to make it a “the weather was bad” thing, be honest with your own mistakes during the checkride and be proactive with the right attitude and fix it before the DPE reminds you of the mistake.
In the end, no matter what DPE you get, no matter what happens, it will all stick on you. No excuses (the DPE was so and so!), it’s your money, your checkride, your right of passage ritual, since the CFI signed you off as he deems you ready! Afterwards you can still trash talk about the DPE scam