Let's be blunt here. If the academy is asking you to retake the cfa, then that means....., your application is NOT good enough, with the current cfa scores, for them to comfortably consider you for an appointment. Some may believe that the cfa isn't being weighted as heavily as in past years, but don't think about that. The truth is, your entire package matters. And each part of the package affects your total score. If you don't retake the cfa that the academy is offering you, then I would say you will decrease your chances, if any, of receiving an appointment. There's a reason they are offering you a 2nd try at it. If your total package was really good, and your cfa was good enough, or new and better scores wouldn't make much difference, the academy wouldn't be offering you a retest.
Some people think detests of the cfa are almost automatic. No, they're not. And for what it's worth, cfa scores basically come down to the following categories.
1. They suck. But the rest of your application kicks butt. If they can get you to retest and at least pass, you have a good chance.
2. They suck. And the rest of your application is average. Or below, so it really doesn't matter. You probably won't get an appointment.
3. They're average. But the rest of your application kicks butt. Better cfa scores may or may not impact a better overall score. You have a really good chance.
4. They're average. But the rest of your application is average too. They may or may not ask you to retest. Better scores could push you past average with good cfa scores.
5. They're above average. And your application is above average or kicks butt. You're in good shape. But nothing is guaranteed.
6. They're above average. But your application is also average. Welcome to the rest of the applicants.
7. They're above average. But your application is below average. They probably won't ask you to retest, because even stellar scores in the cfa probably won't help your overall score.
The point is, rarely does the academy offer a retest for the Cfa. If they do offer a retest, it's because they believe better scores can help put you over the bell curve of your competition, or make you competitive. Or they wouldn't offer it. If you decline to retest, you are saying many things to admissions. One is, you really don't care. Yes, that is what you're saying. And it is quite unlikely, that they will count lower scores in the cfa against you. Not saying retesting and getting better scores will guarantee you an appointment. But I will say with great confidence.... NOT retesting, when given the rare opportunity to do so, will actually decrease your chances from wherever you are currently. Take my opinion for whatever you think it's worth.