Hazelnut is entitled to 'grump' when something is not right.  There is undoubtedly room for improvement in many aspects of life here though last I heard Utopia didn't exist, despite Tony B. Liar's promises and Atlantis sank (presumably to the sound of someone grumpily saying 'I warned you those sea defenses weren't up to the job.').  I am happy that we have, not just the right to complain, but the mechanism/forum so to do.  'When in Rome' is more a social behaviour comment than an instruction to accept the unacceptable.  I wouldn't want to apply the theory to Berlin, or here even, 70 years ago etc. etc.  

It is frustrating in the extreme to find civil servants opposing the blindingly obvious and taking money along the way.  What is needed, but rarely experienced, is the willingness of the system to change because IT recognises its inadequacies.  The situation however only tends to change possibly under force from the people or possibly under force from higher authority (in this case Brussels).  Either way Hazelnut, you go on 'grumping' and you too Tony, preferably not about eachother.  

'Despite all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams it is still a beautiful world.  Be careful.  Strive to be happy.'