This thread is a good recent example of a proposal that does away with the Cats as we know them and proposes a system based on results. Has been quite a few different threads over the years here and else where with similar/different approaches, but the point of linking this is that you (and Steve and I) are not alone in the current system not really being fit for purpose.
Only read the first post by James. Lots of debate in the thread if you are interested of course.