The problem with synchronous tests is that they can lead to longer test times and increased resource usage as the number of tests increases, making it harder to ensure consistent results. This is particularly problematic in a system like Checkly, which optimizes for fast and secure testing, but may be hindered by sequential test running. Alternatives to synchronous tests include using test fixtures to keep code DRY, global `beforeEach` and `afterEach` hooks to set up and clean up resources, and combining inter-dependent tests into a single test with test steps to document which part of the test failed. By embracing parallel testing and using these strategies, developers can achieve better maintainability, scalability, and documentation without sacrificing performance or consistency.