Well, I qualified for QCWA membership a couple years ago, in two years, I will have been a licensed active ham for 30 years of my 38 year old life, so here's my take:
I do see a definite "dumbing down" of some new licensees, but I don't attribute this to the exams- I think it's more indicative of the "internet age" where a Google search and quick gratification are the norm. In the past, you had to study book(s), or get with others and take a class- today we have "ham crams- get your license in a day" sessions, where one day an 8-hour marathon class, exam the next. It's just simple NOT possible for the average person to retain the vast amount of information in such a short amount of time.
The result are many new folks who make some real blunders and "lid like" behavior. Recently, a new ham was heard on a local repeater "handing out" a second radio to his friend, allowing his "friend" to transmit "third party traffic" from another location. I kindly informed him he should check the rules, that such third party traffic is pretty cut and dry- you are either at the control point or you aren't- he seemed kind of taken back. I almost wanted to ask "wasn't that question on your test?" Furthermore, this same operator was heard overkeying another ham making comments- again he was called on his behavior- and became very upset about being corrected (politely) by a fellow ham on air. I tried to explain the amateur radio service is self-policing to a degree, that we look out for each other, and that we are here to help and guide. But it is clear that this person, like many I have heard, clearly do NOT have a solid foundation for what the very basis and purpose of amateur radio is.
What we must do is make it a point to guide these many new folks to better understand the rules, the community, and the spirit that is amateur radio. It's easier said than done, but in this modern age of one-click gratification, it's a challenge for us who have "been around the block" not to get frustrated and drive away new hams who DO have a desire to learn, and improve their skills and abilities.