You're correct. But there is little doubt something is slowly sliding in the wrong direction.

I would like an ecological model to be used instead of this constant spectrum-y adherence.

In an ecological model you might for instance find yourself cutting back on the majority opinion expressed in reasonable ways - just because it is too popular. Here the moderator is not the butcher but the gardener promoting a variety of interesting flora.

This is the alternative to the 'balance hypothesis' I believe to be the primary culprit and a failed model.