Thank you Jeff for sharing your perspective on the exam.
Anyone considering an ASHRAE certification, should also consider the ASHRAE Continuing Education (ACE) credit requirements for recertification.
http://www.ashrae.org/certification/page/1684
Non-governmental certifications & accreditations (ASHRAE, USGBC, AEE) can be more specific than many professional license maintenance requirements.
For equal time, does anyone care to weigh in on AEE's BESA - Certified Building Energy Simulation Analyst?
http://www.aeecenter.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3479