That is really too bad. For our tests, the judges join the skaters for breakfast and they give comments to the skaters. They ALWAYS get a lecture about pushing with toe picks and how much they hate that sound. It's a lot of fun and informative. Our test people are from out of town (that is why everyone brings food for breakfast). It makes the judges feel reachable and less scary to the kids.
But, your situation sounds very, very, very rare. I have not heard of that happening anywhere in the areas around me. Granted, we have all local judges. Generally, only if a critique is set up in advance can you speak to the judges beyond the marks and comments you receive. Some are more open to coaches requesting clarification, but certainly you do not simply get to talk to the judges for the most part.
However, by testing in front of the same judges over and over, you do get to learn what they prefer and what type of skating they prefer to see. There are certain judges that want to see certain things - these don't always line up. So you very well may have one judge who focuses on not stepping cross strokes, but another who focuses on if three turns are placed exactly on the top of the lobe. The problem can occur when you get these two judges on the same panel, they may each not pass you on different moves, meaning that you don't pass that day. So even if you know what they want to see, but each wants different things, it can be difficult.
This is seen throughout the country though. I don't know that one area is worse than others, I think it just depends on the day and the judges. I too have seen youtube videos of tests that I don't think should have ever been passed. But it makes me a better skater knowing my judges are tougher and passing really means something.