If only people defending hunts would stop for a moment to take off their blinders, they would see what a terribly broken and obnoxious system it truly is. Unfortunately, they are too probably too busy frothing at the mouth with seals and tomes to realize it. A conversation with a guildy of mine sums it up best

Me: Don't you find the hunt system broken
Him: Of course
Me: Then why do you still do it?
Him: Cause you know Joan, once you start doing it, you can't stop.

Then it hit me. The hunt system as it currently stands is no different from drugs. The high you get (in this case the massive amount of rewards) is just too good to pass up. The people defending it probably realize it as well, but are afraid that this new toy will be taken away from them, even though it's harmful side effects are apparent for all to see.