Well, number 2 can be ruled out for the COMLEX PE, considering that there is no such thing as an IMG DO, (at least not in the American model of a DO) and that ought to tell you something about the NBOME.
In my opinion, the main reason for the COMLEX PE was that the NBOME saw that allopathic grads had to pass the USMLE CS, and not wanting to even hint that the DO degree might be 'second class', they invented the PE, thus avoiding any criticism of lesser standards.
So, we get to fork over a little more than a grand, and worry about arbitrary and undisclosed grading standards, along with the fear of failing and screwing up graduation and the start of residency, so that the dinosaurs at the NBOME and AOA (who never had to put up with this BS) can feel like we're just as **** upon as our MD colleauges.
In my opinion, the main reason for the COMLEX PE was that the NBOME saw that allopathic grads had to pass the USMLE CS, and not wanting to even hint that the DO degree might be 'second class', they invented the PE, thus avoiding any criticism of lesser standards.
OF COURSE that was the reason, it would have been the stupidest thing for them not to institute an equivalent of the USMLE CS exam... It was a smart thing to do...and they probably had not choice but to...
Sounds like wishful thinking to me. The boards average $1,000 per test administered, and supposedly it "unifies" a way to measure a physician-to-be's clinical skills.
It won't disappear anytime soon. It's just too much of a cash cow. And they have found ways to "justify" the administration of this exam.
Grin and bear it, do it, cooperate and graduate, and move on with your life,