When the yards do the handover they do a 'tick list' - Hoseasons have a standard sheet. I can't remember exactly what's on it but I think it concentrates on safety, speeding etc. Understandably it is to cover the yard against possible litigation. Basic boat handling advice is probably lower priority and hirers can only absorb so much. It's a tricky one. And I agree, if you make too much of a lecture or a test then it's not so much of a holiday. I learnt the hard way but had the advantage of having been on the Broads with my parents.
Some friends of ours hired a large 37 footer with just two of them during a windy week. I gather they had a lot of trouble mooring and sadly said they would never go back.
Some of the recent staycation first timers probably just wanted a holiday and perhaps don't want to get too involved. As Grendel says we should help if we can but of course there isn't always a helpful Poppy on hand!!