Clear Prop,
For your information there has been some very good suggestions regarding what the CAA can do to make the examinations fairer, but as usual they will ignore the lot because they are more interested in raking the money in for themselves, thereby keeping the poor student from getting as far as the flying part of the commercial.
I say again, as long as this system is in place UK general aviation and training will continue to die.
Oh, and another thing in the days of the old exam system, the CAA gave you a year to pass all 15 exams, so your theory that the JAA is harder when you are given 3 years to pass them somewhat falls apart.