Agree. But the problem is even earlier in the process than RP says. Illustration DOESN'T reach into content or meaning because that's where an interpretation of things one cannot know comes in. For example, an illustration of a mother and child will look a certain way because it's easy to assume what's going on there; an Artistic interpretation, though, will presume to know what's REALLY going on in there. Thus, slanted artwork that pushes an agenda, but there's your meaning.
Illustration is an admission that the artist is being most truthful showing what the eyes see. Beyond that, we get into politics with a small p, where meaning or value comes first, and a piece is executed to express that. I'm NOT saying that's wrong, I'm just saying that it is wrong that it has completely overtaken all other considerations in the art world right now.
Agreed. The quest for meaning and originality is going to be the death of the university art system, if they don't back it up with a little substance. It's like trying to paint a boat or car without doing the prep work. If you skip the preparation, the job just won't last.