I'm back with news! As previously stated, I took the FOI Feb 14 and failed with a 44. My study methods did NOT include 'rote' memorization but rather reading and understanding concepts from AIH, with practice tests coming from my universities test prep software. I was knowledgable enough to help tutor other CFI applicants for their CFI checkrides. I waited a while (out of frustration) to take the FIA and AGI, passing both with mid-80 scores.
A couple of weeks ago, I took the FOI again, after reading the AIH several times along with holding study sessions for other FOI students. We KNOW this information. However, I only passed with a 76, and others have failed. One friend took the exam at an entirely different location and recieved a 90-something, and mentioned he 'recognized' 50% of the questions from the test preparation software. I, however, didn't recognize anything from the software. I am unsure where these discrepencies are coming from, but it's frustrating for not only myself to have a low score (one that I don't feel reflects my knowledge) and also to see friends struggle. I'm still investigating, and will continue to update as things are uncovered. But for now, on to CFI practical!