OPINION ON THESE PIP ACTIVITIES

Hi Guys!
Sorry to bother you I know you have a lot to do,but while I am still waiting for a pip result I keep finding info on the net that worries and confuses me (Question 1 below) and wonder if you have the time could you give me an opinion;I am aware its only an opinion, as to whether you think I might still fit the descriptors.
Briefly:

(1) Mix / Engaging with other people face to face.
As I am blind with a moderate hearing impairment I need help when meeting people face to face in social and formal situations. I cant see; who they are, or where they are and have to be introduced to them. I cant see facial expressions,body language, lip read, or hear clearly and I don’t always get sarcasm or read a situation correctly.(I gave examples)

However I found this in a Gov/Uk response to pip Dec 2012 stateing the following and the way they interpret the application of the descriptor; do they really think these things through.

Some respondents commented that this activity is unfairly excluding those with visual impairments who might be unable to judge body language in social situations.
Response
We have carefully considered this, and while this`is not directly taken into account in the assessment, the ability to see is considered in the new activity.
Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words which establishes an individual’s ability to see information. As such we believe that people with significant visual impairment
will receive the appropriate priority in the assessment. (WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE)

Where does not being able to read signs,symbols, and words have anything what so ever to do with my ability to mix and engage with people in social and formal situations;they don’t hold up flash cards.
Its about understanding and interpreting people who I come into contact with; that’s done with my ears and my thought processes. Is this is a way of totally negating the effects that my disability has on me;are they scared too many people will score too many points across the activities.

(2) Making budgeting decisions (read their reasoning in help booklet)

When I shop I always have assistance; I cant shop without it!
I cant see the goods, where they are or their price or write it down,im also given other prices for comparisom,weights,sell and use by dates(it’s a lot to take onboard).
Someone has to do that for me I need all the above to make a decision.
. When I pay by card someone always checks my receipt to make sure its correct.
But I can add up £1,50p and 25p to achieve a total.
For complex finances that we get in written format my wife reads it out to me;going over it a few times to make sure ive got it.
Then I can try and make a decision.
Well guys as you are my version of the flying doctor;do you have an opinion?
Thankyou for your time and any response.
Regards Matchseller.

Matchseller, it seems to me that you are in a similar situation to students awaiting the results after sitting an exam. You have done what you can but it is human nature to start examining what you said and worrying that you might not have done as well as you could. In reality, like the students, all you can really do now is wait for the results and hope for the best!