[chrislloyd]

If they wanted to get more extreme, they could take the initial filing fee as a deposit and only refund it with successful applications. That would help prevent the persistent applications and incentivize the USPTO to reject more. In the eyes of the examiner, the value of the patent has to be worth more to them through society than the individual filing fee.

[pnw_hazor]

Patent issuance is not based on their worth to society. Utility, Novelty, and Non-obviousness is all that's required.

Besides, how could an examiner evaluate the importance of a patent that has a 20 year term. How could anyone?