[Cyber Liberty]

My understanding is, the parties agreed to it because they wanted to foist the cost of running elections off onto the taxpayer, and Primaries that are closed to the taxpayers who aren’t in the parties would be anathema.

The Parties brought the negative results upon themselves, and they can’t go back unless they’re willing to foot the bills for the elections, and even then a very vocal minority of “Independent” (stop laughing) voters will fight it tooth and nail. “It’s. Not. Fair! {sob}”

[SoothingDave]

My understanding is, the parties agreed to it because they wanted to foist the cost of running elections off onto the taxpayer, and Primaries that are closed to the taxpayers who aren’t in the parties would be anathema.

Not the case here in PA. Primaries are closed, but the state monitors and runs the elections (as I understand it).

Also, you don't have to wait a year to vote or anything like that. You do have to register in advance of the election (they close registration 30 days before).