…..open ticket between, say, York and Newcastle then I should be able to use it on any train on that route. The current arrangements are completely nonsensical. 2/2

Yes, that is understood to be a priority. The cheapest fares are often hidden too, so that will change to a much simpler system.

The system is run for the benefit of the operators. Any benefit to passengers is a by-product. Banks, insurance, supermarkets, car dealerships and other businesses and industries also fall into this category, at least in part.