The inertia of processes and social systems. Any trajectory change is going to upend lives and be costly, which makes those with something to lost hesitant, and

The inertia of processes and social systems. Any trajectory change is going to upend lives and be costly, which makes those with something to lost hesitant, and only really appeals to those without anything to lose, or who believe they will lose even more if the status quo continues. But yes, partisan dynamics can lead to follow-the-leader and simon-says behavior.