final exams

In my opinion final exams should be optional.  We get tested on the material multiple times throughout the semester, so why have one last exam that's worth more than the others at the end?  It's our responsibility to do everything we can to get the best grades possible on the exams and the in the class in general.  If we do that and have a grade we are satisfied with we shouldn't have to worry about one more test that more significantly affects our overall grade.  We should have the option to say, "you know, i have a solid grade in the class, my hard work has paid off so I'd rather not sweat about one last test."  Obviously if we messed around throughout the semester and dug ourselves in a whole gradewise, then those last bit of points are our best friend.  I just feel we would be better off knowing that we have the option to take the final or not based on how we have done in that class up to that point.