Just think about if you had taken the test in 1963 and failed. The next year it changed to the current three parter. the pass rate in 1963 though was around 96% (probably in part due to motivation of not having to take three tests), But it must sucked for those 4%!
Yes: not only a joke, but even the appearance of a joke, and looking at the joke, or giving the appearance of looking at the joke - we’re talking at least 5 years ban from the program
The NYSSA did something similar a while ago, release a statement that level II is being held in December as well as January (an April fool’s joke).