Japanese loves exams and certifications :) BTW, even if you are native English speaker, it is difficult to achieve high score on TOEIC. Though with basic strategy, many non-natives can achieve 700 and up. I know this cause I used to tutor for this test lol It's all about strategy and basic knowledge.
>>439 If you have extensive knowledge and understanding in the culture,then yes. Though most people are after scores, not the knowledge so they can improve their career. You are right about the test requiring an instinct, but proper grammar does not equal proper spoken English. That is the gap people has to fill even if you are a native to achieve a high score. Just my personal thoughts...
BTW, great quote! It applies to many things like driving at race track :)