To go along with your statement, Dan and others are pushing this 'Advanced Qualifications Program' (AQP). The commercial aviation community does benefits from such a program. Pilots flying less then 50 hours a year in the same plane are getting information overload. AQP used by recreational pilots will create confusion in the cockpit. Pilots will be so busy trying to remember everything from their last Bi-Annual and worrying about forgetting something important they forget the most important thing... FLY THE PLANE YOU'RE IN.
Don't worry about turning off the air-conditioner, looking for aircraft 10 miles out, making the perfect radio calls and all the if-then do this or do that. I had a Bi-Annual that the instructor was all into training me and having me perform procedures that didn't apply to the fixed pitch, single engine, fixed gear aircraft we were sitting in. Example: Gas, Undercarriage, Mixture, Prop (GUMP) check. There's an abbreviated 'Before Landing Checklist' mounted on the panel that I put my finger on and do the basic checklist. It has worked hundreds of times just fine and I have never forgot to turn off the air-conditioner, adjust the fixed pitch prop and extend the fixed gear even once. Most interesting, the fuel selector was on both when the aircraft took off and was still on both when arriving at the airport traffic area.