I passed my checkride a few weeks ago, it was certainly an experience. I got a great examiner, he was clearly more concerned about heads up flying and other traffic, than very specific details, seams to be a reaction to some people he tested from what he said. I think I got some slack because of the plane, and a few complements about rudder control, which I will take given the other mistakes I made.
going back to the attitude indicator issue: I'm lucky to have a very nice navigator in there with a attitude indicator which I did have use and show competency with under the hood. I'm not sure what he would have done if I did not have it.
Thanks for the help everyone!