<snip>What you need to do in Virginia is look around for the oldest
(age) state inspector you can find. </snip>

Think you got me wrong here. I *appreciate* the inspections. Gets
people who don't know / don't care to actually maintain their cars a
bit. Even smart people (vanagon drivers, perhaps? Me, definitely)
miss something once and awhile. It's like a $20 (can't remember exact
price LOL) once-over. And YES, I've had inspectors fail for bizarre
reasons. Usually, a well placed question will ease the situation.
After all, these are quantifiable tests based on strict parameters.
Opinion doesn't (shouldn't) factor into it and a request for the
facts has always solved my problems.

Oh, last thing: I may be the only person who actively takes my Vanagon
(s) to the dealer -- for inspection, at least. For the inspection fee
I get a very thorough once-over on the entire rig. Bonus is the local
dealer actually has a mech who knows -- and likes -- Vanagons. They
know I won't have them work on it, but they've earned enough respect
that - if need be - I'll let that once mech turn a wrench.

I'm livin' in the twilight zone here :)