Eric,
I don't disagree, but you are preaching to the choir...

All those points are common knowledge and not new
info. No xpert, but after 30 years in industry, both
private, public companies, and then private again,
with hundreds of good sized deals done with all
levels of government, I fully realize the system(s)
shortcomings.

I am and remain, probably the least fan of "gov't" on this board.