I'm now studying for my ATPL exams, and I'm finding it much easier having studied hard for my PPLs, and so already having the underlying knowledge.
Unfortunately, in the ATPL exam world, it's even worse with the Bristol Database meaning people can learn answers to actual exam questions.
Why is the CAA exam method so crazy for all exams? it really encourages people to just learn answers to multiple choice questions, rather than actually have to know what it all means.
I think they should make the syllabus more specific to what a pilot actually needs to know, have less exams, and remove multiple choice.