I'm not sure if you're saying this is a good or bad thing?

I really love watching and discussing both of those ceremonies. Lots of neat clothes, some funny jokes, celebrities, I like, etc.

Even if they are "just marketing exercises for the film and television industries anyway" who cares? Lots of people are like me and enjoy them.

I think that because they're "marketing exercises" we shouldn't pretend they are some sacred tradition where if an made-for-TV movie snuck in it would be horrible.

Isn't part of marketing building a strong brand and keeping that brand from eroding?

Wouldn't made-for-tv movies (which historically has been a pretty pejorative term) hurt the brand of the Oscars?

Sure, but I agree with (what I think is) TaylorGood's point that most people don't care about the Academy and it's brand.