I've read the book as well and to be honest I struggled with some of it when answering the test questions.
I'd like to think I can study and do exams (since leaving school I've done 30 exams and the last one CISSP took 18 months to study and pass the 6 hr exam) and yet I sympathise with your feelings for you're Mahal because mine is the same.
Once my Mahal arrives here I'm going to make sure it's studied weekly so that when the exam comes around she can confidently clear it.
As for the cost it's typically expensive for one reason in my mind "because they can"!
As for the Europeans I personally think they should also have to do this (and TOEIC english test) we would see the net migration to our shores significantly reduced and a better quality of people here who have had to earn it.
Just my 2p's worth!
Tone
