The main problem with decent articles is that most of them fail to cite sources, which makes them hard to verify.
I don't see the FA process as a problem. They aspire to a high standard which is a good thing in my opinion. If people are interested enough to expand a subject, it doesn't need to be on the front page, they'll surf across it themselves.
--Mgm [[Wikipedia:Article rescue contest]] (Help fix deletion candidates to a decent or even featured level!)