I wrote a length reply, but somehow it disappeared. sigh.

Anyways, let's say this: there shuold be different types of problems. Required problems to do, so you can memorized and drill yourself on concepts. Then stuff that are recommended to be done, in order to stimulate your grey matter just a bit. Then theres the fun exam problems, which you really have to think (with no time limit at all). Then ... ... bonus questions, etc etc.

so, homework as it is at the moment: bad.
a new way of assigning homework in order for you to actually learn stuff and not just reduce you to tears: good.