Hi Roj.
Everything you say is correct.
Hate to tell you this but every issue you raise has been brought up with ASA over the last 20 years or more.
If you really want to be depressed find somebody in authority in ASA to talk to and find out why they do things the way they do.
Efficient aircraft operation does not rate as an issue , period.
ATC airspace design rules and ATC work rules trump everything.
And not spending money.
Clipping Control Area steps ? Cant fix that. Have to reprint all the charts. Cost too much. And Dick Smith might get upset.
Track to MEL , SYD at 6000’ on the Star ? Well , the VOR is the primary aid isn’t it ? ASA design rules say so.
QANTAS tailored RNP to CAT 1 minima ? Cant have that. Gotta have generic charts to minimise ATC work load. Cant handle too many options.
Bismarck said law making is like sausages. If you want to eat them dont watch them being made. ASA same same.