Concessions are made on all sides. For example, I am told by someone who was involved that the change in 2018 to exclude scores when playing alone was a nod to the R&A to gain consensus. No one here that I know thinks that this will make the handicap system any more accurate.
Outside of official tournaments beyond the auspices of a single club, the competition committee should be able to make adjustments in the front end to help overcome some of the shortcomings of the handicap system. Unfortunately, the days of a strong handicap chair are probably over- who wants the thankless job?
I don't know how they're going to adjust for weather and course conditions, but that's another highly subjective variable in a system already replete with problems. The pro shop has enough to do with compiling scores, applying handicaps, and posting the winners for each of the flight. I like the thinking, but am suspicious of the execution.
As to the vanity handicaps, if you get a partner who can't play to his number, either elevate your game, hedge your side, or take bets with other scorecard partners. I was never a big money gambler, but even in our games, those who couldn't compete over the long run eventually found other groups.