If you have to defend it, maybe it doesn't. There are actually two issues I see going on.
1) old timers think the test is getting watered down (it is)
2) NCARB is just a money-grubbing organization does less than the AIA.
California (and other states) just decided long ago to outsource their testing so they could avoid liability. Applicants pay for the testing so it's not a budget issue.
