In theory it's supposed to give "local control" over developments that occur in a neighborhood by proxy of their elected representative. In reality, it often becomes a mechanism by which NIMBYs can stop or stall development. In this case, it did end up getting positive concessions even if that's not what the CM was actually trying to accomplish. But that seems like an exception rather than the rule.

I tend to agree with you, consistent rules that both encourage development and bring the kinds of development people are interested in seeing should displace such a bureaucratic process.