I suspect the answer lies in cultural change within organisations. When the culture supports individual empowerment and ownership of the L&D journey, the employees will no longer stand for sop-to-the-conscience stuff.

Just as poor customer service tends only to improve in response to a consumer base that knows and demands its rights.

I think the principles are related.

We need enough assertive individuals who are prepared to say "Don't fob me off with that. If a learning event isn't going to add value, I'm not attending it. End of." If one says it, that person is branded as a trouble maker. If everyone says it, management needs to take action.