If the person isn't prepared then no amount of gear will change that.

Amen. Gear you don't know how to use is dead weight.
I like your test, but only for those with some basic skills and clothing suited to the environment. There's a lot of wind and rain here and temperatures, even in summer, can get into the hypothermia zone. I prefer to build up skills by trying things out in less risky situations: I didn't actually need a shelter in that storm - my clothing was sufficient for me to remain warm even though I allowed myself to become wet through (yay for merino wool). It was more of a "can you do it - what challenges will you face?".