Classroom misinformation on brake rotor replacement procedure

I am an automotive student an a NATEF certified school.
I am taking a refresher course to catch up on new Hybrid technology. I have been a paid mechanic for forty five years on and off, but work in engineering currently.

I had an instructor allow a student to do a pad slap. Only scuffing the old rotor (that was significantly blued) with a red scuff pad by hand. The statement was that is an industry standard, and it satisfactory, what? So I pose the question. Just who's standard is that, and where is it written? I was taught forty plus years ago if I ever change a pad, the rotor either gets cut or replaced. No exceptions! Help?

Scott