In my time in GA, not once was I made to fly below minimum's, or fly overweight, fly when I was unfit, or make up some bullsh*t GPS approach to an airport.
The problem of U/S aircraft however, does exist. I don't know how many times I used to say "Ohh alright, but just for today" because the frigging thing was broken every day anyway, the owner/operator just couldn't be assed fixing the problem and fixing it right the first time. Looking back, I regret doing that, because there's no way I'd accept it now.
So SOME of what you claim does exist, MOST however doesn't...... at least in most places I've seen. The PIC need's to exercise their powers and responsibilities given to them under CAR 224 and 233.
morno