Dualie,
I don't think I would consider it 'dumb enough'. It is actually a practical test if there is some specialized reason for needing to carry out the welding with GTAW. For example:
Back in the 90's I needed to qualify with GTAW for Carbon Structural Steel in order to do some modifications in a Microchip plant during operation of the clean room. Clean rooms operate differently than many people realize but the point is they wanted to eliminate as much contamination as possible. No slag being a major consideration. What better process than GTAW? So, I ran all the tests to get the process proven within the perameters of what I needed to accomplish.
And as Tim said, that is what the PQR is about, testing the unusual to make sure the process and operator can accomplish the task.
Have a Great Day, Brent