RoastBeef

The test can be frustrating but some perspective helps.
The idea that there are candidates out there that just learn the “trivia from the footnootes” and pass the exam is really unrealistic.  Even if 20% of the exam was obscure information, if the candidate only focused on obscure concepts they would still be at a loss for 80% of the exam.
In reality the candidates who pass have a very good grasp of core concepts and a lot of the “obscure” parts as well.  There are no candidates out there gaming the system and only learning 20% of the material and passing.  If there were then they should start playing the lottery with that type of ability.
The CFA does not want an exam that tests core concepts over 5 or 6 3 hour exams.  The purpose is not to have another graduate degree program i.e. If you have enough time and money you will get it.  They want an exam that hopefully differentiates candidates.  They are attempting to do that by creating a test that is broad enough and random enough that you must master nearly all the concepts in order to pass.  Not just memorizing each concept one at a time.
Nevertheless, it can be frustrating.  But remember, many people fail multiple times.  No one in the industry cares how long it took you to get it as long as you finally do.