I'm very disappointed with the patent system myself.

Here is a document that Phil Salin wrote years ago, and is still completely valid. Unfortunately, the guy is no longer alive, and I don't know anyone else that speaks so clearly about the patent topic.

Take some time, read it thoroughly, it really could be one of the most important things people will learn about patents. The patent office should really pay very close attention as well.

http://www.philsalin.com/patents.html