yeah, it’s a slippery slope to be in their position. try to have some empathy - ie. what should they say? it’s next to impossible for them to be upbeat/positive yet also not apply any pressure.
at the end of the day, i’ve learned external sentiment matters little. very few people completely understand the demands, the sacrifices, the variables determining pass/fail, etc. just go in there and give it your best under the circumstances and it’s all you can be satisfied with.
fwiw, another fun one post exam when you’re venting: “I’m sure you did fine/killed it”…like wait, were you sitting in there/beside me to verify that? lol