I don't really disagree with you too much except that lobbying is relevant when considering regulatory capture. And if you want hard numbers to analyze the imp

I don't really disagree with you too much except that lobbying is relevant when considering regulatory capture. And if you want hard numbers to analyze the impact of lobbying, you're not going to get it, because lobbyists have lobbied against transparency laws. Anyhow, the impact is real such as with Merck and Gardasil. Further, it's not only laws that matter but court precedent and CDC policies. But certainly you're right that many unbiased/disinterested people agree with pharma. It's definitely not an issue only related to profits.