Some would say that crony capitalism is the inevitable end state of capitalism, and I'm not entirely inclined to disagree with them--if we do succeed in getting the cronyism out, how do we then stop it from returning?
Similar to the Nascar idea, but with that we'd see larger podiums used to hide the more embarrassing fundings.
China’s history for example is arguably that cycle on repeat.
A lot of the democratic institutions of the US were built after the war to prevent the prior issues. Sadly those memories are fading and the institutions are eroding as a result - leading back to the cycle you speak of.
"Why do my plants keep dying???" said man who waters his plants 24/7/365.