[zaidf]

USPTO can't do much about it.

Correct me if I am wrong but if the USPTO is the one granting the patents, then they can do something. Almost immediately they could instruct people reviewing tech patents to err on the side of not granting a patent or taking more time if the patent seems kind of obvious. If the folks are not in a position to tell if it is obvious, they should not be evaluating the category of patents.

Unfortunately, I get the sense that USPTO is in denial for the most part and does not believe, at least publicly, that there is a problem.