usually all rules/laws etc are made in response to something. remember the phrase: there oughta be a law.
they used to get stricter as things went, and how the 'system' saw people abuse or avoid or loophole the law
so i would guess that most bail systems have become what they are b/c you are dealing with people who aren't really caring about what the court wants them to do.
i would guess that a person who really wants to clear his name is not going to skip bail.
and i agree its not right for the rest of us... who might get caught up in the system... or those who can't afford the bail etc.
im just saying... the 'system' is following the old adage... fool me once... shame on you...
fool me twice... shame on me.