You're 100% right, Ross. IMHO it all started with the narrow cars and grooved tires of 1998.

If they really want to slow the cars down while keeping the racing exciting, the solution is bloody obvious: remove the wings and outlaw downforce! That would slow the cars and also reduce the effects of 'dirty air' that make it impossible to pass.

The only reason they don't do it is that the front and rear wings comprise the car's most visible advertising space.

So now you know what their real priorities are.