Your last paragraph is right on the mark !!

And to simplify and condense all the assumptions.. the UK now has a medal test system, which provides one for taking single dances, as opposed to the old method of all 3/4 in one "sitting " .

Being a former examiner, one has to temper ones judgement on the circumstance of the candidate ( specifically states side ).. many students were entered for exams , when the teacher needed more help !!.. the system there was not initially designed to cater to the stricter standards of the UK..( altho it was put in place by a Scot. )

HOWEVER.. the old Bronze was 6/8 dances and the variations had to be done solo by the candidate ( it was more like a Pro exam ) their dancing, many times, did not live up to the solo work. To consider.. majority of students were 60 and over ..

It has of course changed considerably, and the dance standards are much higher today..

I went through my social and my bronze, when i was a student,in 3 months. I however got all of the technique and I KNEW the steps. I doubt that you would be able to have all of that done in a year... I was a student, and got through all of my social, bronze, and silver in 2 years... and to me, that was pushing it...