I remember similar comments when I took my RAE about 20 years ago. Many of the existing license holders thought that the new multi-guess format would be much easier than the written exam that they had completed during earlier years. I had a go at an example full license exam paper last year when my son was studying for his M3. Despite being a professional radio engineer for over 25 years and gaining a distinction in the technical paper on the original RAE, I did find the new full license exam quite a challenge and far more taxing than the old C&G exam.
Neil
G7AQK