Yes Andy. Agreed. Crazy.
Over the last two decades, the MOT has evolved into something it was never designed to do. As you know, it was brought in to ensure the vehicle was not dangerous to other road users and safe to drive. Nowadays, even slightly too much CO2 coming out of the tailpipe is a failure - and forces lovely well looked after and cherished old burbling V8 & V6 cars off the road. Ironic to say the least - especially when the rear bumper of the Nissan Micra in front of you is being held on with gaffer tape