The issue at hand within the system is one of moral stagnation. When individuals prioritize their own self-interests and benefit from the status quo, they are unlikely to advocate for change, regardless of how unethical or problematic the system may be. This self-serving mentality fosters a culture where people become complacent and blind to the systemic issues surrounding them.
Brad, the protagonist, recognizes the corruption but consciously chooses to avoid labeling it as such in order to engage more productively with it. The discomfort surrounding the terms "corrupt" and "sinister" reflects a broader reluctance among serious individuals to confront the moral implications of their actions and the systems they operate within.