... if the group isn't going through some sort of checkpoint that is requiring everyone to submit some sort of biometric data (like a thumb-scan for instance) then the Verification Rating has to be 3 or lower. ...
For the most part, SINs aren't checked autonomously. Unless you are going into a high security neighborhood, you shouldn't need to stealth or avoid having your SIN checked just for walking down the street. ...
I think this is on the right track.
Higher rated SIN checks are probably few and far in between. If only for the reason they are inconvenient. Even if you assume that something like a DNA verification and cross-check only takes a second, there are still valid reasons not to require one at every corner. You can´t have the employees creating a huge congestion at the office tower´s gateway each day at 7.30 am because every single one of them, plus passangers, has to lower the windows, lean out of the car and let their thumb be pricked.
Also, stuff breaks. If you hand out costly items to every beat cop you can expect to have to replace up to a third of them within the fiscal period.
And you probably want personnel to be present at the check. That means wages. Even worse, vending machines and (!) restrooms. Sure, a drone or a checkpoint could have an in-built blood sample tester. But there would constantly be accidents ("Sir, this is not your thumb."), hold-ups ("No! In the other port!"), false alarms, vandalism and unnoticed hacking attempts, all of which might result in lawsuits. Also, knowing my players:
[SPOILER]
Player: ´So, can I get one of these rating 1 fake SINs? Real quick?´
Me: ´Um, probably. Why you asking?´
Player: ´The one with chicken DNA? Look, it says so right here in the rulebook.´
Me: ´Depends. Are you planning on carrying around a live chicken with you at all times?´
Player: ´Awww, you know me too well.´
Me: ´It would be the wrong chicken! You would need the right one! With matching DNA!!!´
Player: ´A chicken is a chicken.`
Me: `Now you´re just trolling me.´
Player: ´But as long as it gets the blood it wouldn´t care into what it sticks its needle, right?´
Me: ´Shaddup!´
[/SPOILER]
I would expect lower rated SIN checks to be fairly common, frequent and maybe even automated. Patrolling drones, entries of posh shops etc. But, even in secure areas I would assume a rating 5-6 test would only be made once, before you get your visitors´card. Not at every door. Once you are in, only another one if you try to enter a section with tighter security. But frankly speaking areas that would justify a rating 6 SIN check, like top secret laboratories, exec lofts and so on would most likely restrict access to so few people that they know each other. Even a level 8 SIN won´t help you if you are caught standing in Gary Kline´s office.
This doesn´t mean the SIN rules do not need a revamp and more explanation. They absolutely do.