I expect those that defend the system see its appeal as a more rational alternative to guanxi, the informal networks of trust and reciprocal obligation that per

I expect those that defend the system see its appeal as a more rational alternative to guanxi, the informal networks of trust and reciprocal obligation that pervade Chinese society. Do you want a loan, or need a good hospital for your parent? You don't need to bribe or schmooze with the right person, only to be an orderly, hard-working citizen. On the other hand, you're trusting your score to "the algorythm", and any SEO consultant can tell you how brutally flawed and unfair "the algorythm" can be, even without overt malicious intent.