The problem is, it is in the interests of the wealthy and powerful that both those things be true—that the USPTO be so overworked they can't adequately review m

The problem is, it is in the interests of the wealthy and powerful that both those things be true—that the USPTO be so overworked they can't adequately review most patents, and that the default be to grant the patent. And the wealthy and powerful use that wealth and power to influence how government functions. Thus, the current situation.