My local FSDO told me that, when he received initial training at OKC, the opening comment in the class was, “Welcome to FSDO, 87 independently owned and operated offices.”
When I completed AF training in the T-39a (Sabreliner 40) back in the 70s I was told that it was considered a Center Line Thrust airplane in the St Louis office. When I returned to my duty station in NW Florida, the local FSDO removed the restriction.
I never paid for a rating until 2022 when I got a Sport Pilot signoff for my gyroplane. The FAA doesn’t seem to do check rides any more.