The A-Level reforms are unfortunate as naturally, our year are the guinea pigs and will perform worse than subsequent years who will have at least 1 years practice of real papers. This is because teachers are unsure on the type of questions we can get - specimen papers aren't always representative of the real ones (especially for science - way harder!).
Also, it's frustrating that we have double the stress of not only learning and studying A2 content but having to go over AS content too. It's unfortunate especially for people applying to competitive courses where their grades may be affected.
Also, I have noted because a lot of schools aren't entering students for AS exams, a lot of students may not try as hard as "this year doesn't count, we don't have any exams" and so will subsequently cram in year 13. Of course, that is their fault, but naturally, as AS exams don't count we won't revise as hard for mocks, etc.
A-Level students are already placed under so much pressure, especially compared to our US counterparts, and this has made it even harder in particular for students who suffer from mental health issues.
It is frustrating, but there's nothing we can really do apart from deal with it and accept that we're the guinea pigs.