Because this is a close election. That’s the point in going last in that you can have a voice during the end game. Otherwise why have any primaries after Super Tuesday? Just let the first couple handful of states decide.
Honestly I think they need to update the primary process. Go in 1/3 chunks and rotate them.
My point was, we haven't had meaningful primaries past Super Tuesday for nearly 40 years now.
I happen to agree with you that the primary process should be changed so that less than 10 states don't dictate the candidates for the rest of us.
My own opinion is that primaries should be held in a maximum of 90 days, and in two stages, if required.
Stage 1: Sixty Day Sprint. All candidates campaign in this sixty days. Primaries are held on day sixty in all 50 states. If a Democrat or Republican Candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, they become that party's Presidential Candidate. If not, we move onto Stage 2.
Stage 2: Thirty Day Sprint. Of the remaining candidates (D and/or R) the top two candidates in either party have thirty days to make their case to the American People. On day thirty, the run-off primary occurs. Since there will be a max of two candidates in either party running, the candidate who gets over 50% becomes that party's candidate.
The beautiful thing about my solution: LESS POLITICAL ADS, shortened primary season, and an elimination of any "brokered" or "contested" convention. The will of the People is expressed in the Primaries and those candidates move forward and run for President.
Neat, clean, simple.