I'd argue it's also corrupting the education system, as (definitely in the UK) Universities only really want to employ people who can 'assist' in being awarded

I'd argue it's also corrupting the education system, as (definitely in the UK) Universities only really want to employ people who can 'assist' in being awarded research grants. Employ people who will research the correct topics in the correct way to provide the largest amounts of funding to... continue the cycle.