If we are to use the word 'madness', then I would suggest that to fly a fast aircraft outside controlled airspace to save money (as you claim is common) when IFR flight under segregation and control is available is equally worthy of that epithet.
A 737 full of passengers cutting corners through uncontrolled airspace to save money when using the airways sytem designed to ensure its safety, and then having a mid-air with anything legally entitled to be present would lay itself open to lawsuits that could bankrupt the company.
There are no double standards. There are separate standards for flight in controlled airspace, and flight outside controlled airspace.
Once again, the thread started about a different demonstrable risk with tragic results in VMC. Have you any suggestions to reduce that risk?