I always thought that if you went to get a sticker and the mechanic tells you you need a, b, and c, you can go and get those things fixed and go back and get your sticker. Now I am being told I need d, e, and f. Isn't that a crock of #%*(#)?
I don't want to get into a pissing match with my mechanic, and will probably go ahead and replace some brake lines which are "flaky" looking. But I am prepared to argue a little about the hydraulic fluid which is dripping down and collecting around the transmission pan. This should not be an inspection issue, should it? The pentosin isn't even combustible, is it? It's like baby oil!
Also, a flashing/beeping brake warning on the dash may in fact be a symptom of a faulty "bomb", or any leak in the steering hydraulic system and not necessarily a fault in the primary braking system, nicht wahr?. If I disable this warning light, shouldn't this ease their consciences and

Since the latest round of politics, Federal Highway Funds are tied to state inspection compliance and standards. Your state may be putting a little heat on their inspectors. In your state can the inspectors do the repairs? I think the inspectable "safety issues" are set out somewhere. Since it us now federally mandated, it is not the federal way to allow judgment. Snip the light.