Considering that this was written almost 10 years ago, it will only have gotten worse.
We can point this out and complain, but really I fail to see a solution unless there is a systematic change. For that to happen though, those at the top will have to give up on their acquired benefits, so I think it unlikely.
Maybe if grants would be handed out on a 'lottery' basis (grant applications should still be screened to prevent handing out to non-serious applications), this could be achieved?