WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING TO THIS GAME  ? ...... ( Article by Carp )

Not so long ago I came across a newspaper bridge article which reported an Irish international opening 4C on his one count, holding a 5-0-1-7 distribution. Now I've just come across another article about two top internationals playing weak two suited 2 level openers on 0-10 HCPs !! 

Quote :  " As is so often the case these days, especially at favourable vulnerability, West had a disruptive toy at his disposal. He opened two spades, which showed 5S and 4+ in a minor, 0-10 points. East's raise to three spades ended the auction and this drifted two down for minus 100. "

This bidding development has to be a bridge world gone made. Whatever happened to the rule of 18 ?..... or 16 ?.........or  20+ zars ? Why not scrap minimum requirements on all bids including the 1NT ?  Why not go the whole hog and have one level openings as follows : 1C = 0-6, 1D = 0-8, 1H/S = 0-11 showing a genuine 4+ card suit, and 1NT = 0-14 ? Why should bids at the two level enjoy the privilege of having diddly squat in HCPs ?
In my view the game is taking on all the dimensions of poker with its equivalent of blind bids, outrageous bluffs, and intimidating first round calls. I can only conclude that if such developments permeate their way down into humble arenas of local bridge clubs, then newcomers and novices alike will be heading straight for the exit doors.
As for the hand being reviewed in the article, this was it :
                             West :  J109xx ....xx.........x.........J10xxx
                             East  :  Axx.......A10xx....Q108x.....Qx