Thought I'd take a look through this thread since I've just been through the NATS process and was wondering how they compared.
With regards to FEAST I recall the test itself stating it was unsuitable for more than one attempt as it's designed with little preparation in mind, that did make me wonder about those who fail the process and reapply. There are a lot of other tests and procedures though at least with NATS so it's not the be all and end all.
Also, I'm a bit surprised at the amount of hostility going on here. What happened to those level-headed competencies people? ;]