It seemed to me to be more favorable to the memorizers during that time frame.
Interesting that this particular professor went for a problem-solving approach, breaking away from the rote study that I remember.
I never took organic - but all my friends did. I wouldn't have had a hard time in it, but I steered towards the math and engineering type sciences, instead.
If it's real purpose was to winnow those who will not make it through med school, that makes sense. Doctor training apparently involves having to remember vast amounts of information.