The author is an academic idealist, and bemoaning the low priority that his institution ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Oxford https://en.wikipedi

The author is an academic idealist, and bemoaning the low priority that his institution ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Oxford https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Oxford ) gives to traditional academic functions (education & research). Wikipedia seems to say that Oxford is ultimately controlled by its alumni, who elect the chancellor, vice-chancellor, and other top officials. Theory: Oxford's alumni are quite content with the "sufficient academics & architecture to keep up appearances, otherwise boost the bloat" strategy. Guess: The author is quite aware of this preference, but knows that publicly speaking of it would be bad for his career. Vs. lip-service idealism is safe.