[intergalplan]

Oh, yeah, world-imposed restrictions are a factor. Problems aren't all because people are idiots. I, pointedly, don't exclude myself from the "people are idiots" judgement, either. But I think it's also true that the Super-Serious Real World's not half as competent, or capable, or polished, as one might hope. That organization that seems impossibly amazing? They're not, actually. Look closer and they produce bafflingly-bad crap more often than not. The institution with The Reputation? It's because they sometimes get things mostly right, and are good at networking and/or marketing, but if you got a look at how "the sausage is made" you'd be absolutely shocked. The Authority on The Thing? OMG you don't want to know.

Which is horrifying or liberating, depending on one's perspective.