refactored large test for strict mode

[marilynel]

Fixes #952

[stleary]

What problem does this code solve?
A few dozen unit tests were skipped during strict mode, but only 2 were actually failing. This commit refactors the unit tests into separate methods.

Does the code still compile with Java6?
Yes

Risks
Low

Changes to the API?
No

Will this require a new release?
No

Should the documentation be updated?
No

Does it break the unit tests?
No, unit tests were refactored

Was any code refactored in this commit?
Yes

Review status
APPROVED

Starting 3-day comment window

NOTE 2 tests had the exception message assert commented out, since the purpose was to confirm the exception, not the message. However, this is still tech debt that can be fixed in a later commit.