I don't doubt that it's difficult to pass the EASA B1/2 initial licence but at least you can take it in bite-size chunks.
It was a one-shot attempt with the BCAR Section L system- no credits for the subjects you did all right in. You'd have to take the
whole examination again if you didn't get 70% (and don't forget the negative marking!).
Then, as said, an hour or two with the surveyor if you passed the writtens. I've been fortunate enough to pass everything I've taken so far.
Any licencing examination success is an real achievement though, no matter when taken.