On the other hand, having nothing but career politicians running the country, and a high barrier to entry for your average citizen to get involved with politics

On the other hand, having nothing but career politicians running the country, and a high barrier to entry for your average citizen to get involved with politics isn't exactly going to work out long-term either. What we need is completely socialized education so that the population doesn't get so dumbed down that they vote the loudest, least professional people into office.