Yes..Cisco to some extend won the battle against dumpers...Now there is a significant reduction in the pass rate...That means only qualified engineers are passing...This will increase the value of the certification....
Some sad news personally..Three of my friends who attempted the lab this month got failed..They were well prepared..Couple of them failed in the configuration section and the other in troubleshooting....As per them it is achievable...But you have to give your 100%.....