answer:Why is no one paying attention? Because Americans think they are different and no one else’s system will work here. Also, frankly, because we (mistakenly) believe we are better. I hope that’s your real question, because I don’t want to answer the merit pay question. On the one hand, I think that merit can not be fairly determined. It’s a game. It’s disruptive. So it’s best not to have it at all. On the other hand, it would be nice for people to be recognized for excellence. On the third hand, it would be demoralizing to see others recognized for excellence when I have been passed by and I don’t see what they do that I don’t do. But you don’t really care about that, do you?