Its a free society and we thrive on diversity of views. As a matter of principle therefore I wouldnt normally respond to arguments contesting the verasity and fairness of CSS exams. 3 words compelled me to make an exception in this case. KU, IR and Gold Medal. Your friend and I have at least these things in common. The difference is Im on the verge of making it to the group of my choice after my first attempt of the CSS exams. I have my sympathies with your friend and I think I can understand his plight better than most people.
However, lopsided convictions and sweeping generalizations based on individual experience can be highly misleading at times. I hope that for the sake of evenhandedness you would let this example guide your subsequent analyses of the subject.