That "bone dry" look is the biggest trap. People forget concrete can wick moisture up from the ground for months, especially if the vapor barrier was cheap or got torn. Skipping the meter is just guessing, and you're guessing on the homeowner's dime when the floor fails.
That "bone dry" look is the biggest trap alright. It's like judging a book by its cover, if the book could ruin your flooring and your reputation. Skipping the meter is basically playing Russian roulette with a customer's floor. I guess some folks just love a surprise callback more than a simple five minute test.