<p>Mini, it all depends on your definition of success and meritocracy. Grade grubbing via excessive focus and making a mockery of the grading system via artificial devices, including a cultural acceptance of organized cheating, does not help anyone. Efforts and hard work deserve to be rewarded, but the extent of the outside assistance goes beyond the acceptable. </p>
<p>When it gets to grades and testing, the playing field is far from level. Getting the results is more important than obtaining them with a modicum of integrity. It is about winning at all cost. </p>
<p>And, no, that does NOT benefit everyone.</p>