Actually, I consider this to be a good thing. The situation right now is terrible but still livable. If it becomes even worse, it will have to be changed, or the technology economy will collapse.

In fact, it appears they may be granted at a rate exceeding submissions. (But, there is a publication & grant timelag, so it's not as clear as that.) See also:

* Article: http://www.patentlyo.com/patent/2010/05/patent-grants-2010.h...

* Charts (top left): http://news.priorsmart.com/