.. At this point in time I think they can, but it depends on one's
definition of 'too many'.



In what ways is the code test a nuisance to the FCC?


Used to be the waivers for 13wpm, but that's no longer.
And in another sense, as VEs do all the testing, any of
the tests are of little nuisance to the FCC. Every so
often some VEs cheat, but that's another issue.

As for what knowledge should be tested for, as we are
allowed to modify/build/hack our equipment we should know
how to determine performance of our transmitters and such
so we don't splatter/trash the RF spectrum. Also TVI issues.
Also need to know safety issues, high voltage and RF.
Rules and regs, what constitutes deliberate interference
and what is just life on a crowded band. That ham radio is mostly
2 way comms (no broadcasting, no music). 3rd party rules
and such for HF access licenses.

Heard it said that the FCC finds that hams are for the most
part well behaved and don't require much enforcement actions
compared to other services.