I am of two minds on this. You are correct that this system needs to be rationalized and this would likely be a good thing. On the other hand, the power of the Executive Branch to make any determination in this area is a product of delegation from the Legislative Branch. The result may not be very pretty, but it is the system we have. Earmarks aren't very pretty either, but if they are fully debated some would call them preferable to the alternative - which is decision making which may be made by political appointees whose qualification for office may be donor or campaign worker. While there is a chance that the decision-maker may be a careerist or an expert panel, this is not gauranteed. Either system may be corrupt or cronyist, it depends on the visibility provided.