AME exams were free prior to my training (1988), they went from $30 to $105 within a year. luckily I was not married and without kids so I could just afford it.
The timing of the increases happened at the same time when a certain electrical shop owner came into power.
If they reduced the exam fees that would certainly help people who may be finding times tight to continue their training. I Hope CASA is watching this thread!
I have just left the industry and am having a ball. Nuff said really