Looking doesn't have to be a bad process but at the moment it's quite frustrating for people as price expectation is high as is demand. With the quality real of estate agent dropping (skills and ethics) it's becoming a harder process. They cut corners, act against legislative requirements and lack work ethic which leaves most buyers (who are even more clueless) in a bad position...the vendors too really although they often get their price so think they did well. It's like anything these days I guess, quality declines.
As for looking at houses, I understand what you're saying but for many who are often quite pressured it can be a terrible experience these days. Never used to be.