I've been in academia since 2004; just not US academia. Maybe that's the main difference?
There's plenty of wrongs in academia on this side of the pond as well, but some of the stories here just couldn't occur.
Case in point: a regular PhD position is an actual full-time job (with regular salary, healthcare, other benefits) here. You have to apply for such a position - which comes with a supervisor & a project description. No "can't find a supervisor" problems; no deciding on a subject all on your own.
There's plenty of wrongs in academia on this side of the pond as well, but some of the stories here just couldn't occur.
Case in point: a regular PhD position is an actual full-time job (with regular salary, healthcare, other benefits) here. You have to apply for such a position - which comes with a supervisor & a project description. No "can't find a supervisor" problems; no deciding on a subject all on your own.