add console.log(str) to see the test inputs

You need a deepEquals. Two different arrays are not the same object. I do not know how to do this, and I don't know what unit test framework this is either.

Value is not what was expected

I have no idea what failed. Impossible to write code against a test you cannot see.

its bad form to have so many exit points.

That's right, and thanks your advice. I will watch out the mistake.

no reason to self minify.

Neat trick w/ the suffix.