Trust me on this. When there was no RT test because it was assumed - as you seem to think - that you learned how to handle RT during your training standards fell. And in case you are not aware, it often takes a lot to make the CAA act and in this instance they brought back the RT test.
As rodan says, the current test doesn't really test the skills that you need so maybe you should treat it like your driving test - passing that one gives you a licence to go out on your own and learn to drive in the real world.
You may think that it's all a waste of time and unnecessary expense but you have to do it - so get on and do it rather than complaining! Do I sound grouchy? Perhaps it's because I've spent too many years having to listen to poor RT (and I don't mean non-standard RT, I mean really poor RT from people who don't seem to have the first idea what communication is about!).