Leaking Taps

By which I mean domestic kitchen and bathroom taps.
Not so long ago, if a tap started to drip, it was just a matter of fitting a new rubber washer which could be obtained from any hardware shop and only cost pennies. Not only that but they invariably lasted for years.
These days however, all taps seem to come with a ceramic cartridge. Who dreamed up that stupid idea?
I am finding that mine are lasting no time at all until the old steady drip appears again!!!
Am I alone in this, or are other people similarly afflicted?
I don't suppose its even possible to buy a "proper" tap any more, but I am certainly going to try.
I feel a bit better now.

Blossom wrote:................ Who dreamed up that stupid idea?...............

It wouldn't be the man that sells the very profitable replacements would it?

I think it all started when "Corporate Greed" stopped being a sin and became an acceptable way of life!

Best regards,