Yeah, that is crazy, I agree. But consider this.. The electoral college issue; it became an issue for Democrats after the election, after Clinton lost.
If you blend some fuel oil with that manure, you'd get an explosion.
It's been an issue since Gore won by a half million and George W stole Florida for the win.
As far as changing it goes, we have about as much chance at that as we have getting Citizen's United changed. Or getting single payer.
When the other guy has 3 aces and you have a pair of 2's, it's hard to raise the bet.
And, as a general response to the entire post, don't forget the cyclical nature of politics, the constant desire for 'change', the bombardment of fake news, the science deniers, the wing nuts who think Trump is great because they believe that fake news and/or Hate (with a capital 'H') all Democrats.
It's just not as easy as you suggest.
You yourself express that progressives get high poll numbers, but the wing nuts win elections. There's a point to be made there. Look at it objectively and you'll see it. Be truthful to yourself. We're in a bad cycle right now and the desire for 'change' will play to our favor next time.
The desire for 'change' will never go away with this self centered, it's all about me society we have evolved into. So when we do win, don't count on it lasting forever.
And they DO cheat.