***Are the bad CoE bishops?***
Of course. But the truth of God is not dependent of physical sucession.
It is dependent on moral likeness.
Do you not agree?
(and what of those popes?)
I agree with your "moral likeness" theory, however, that might make apply to someone of another religion as well.
So I don't think it is enough. One of the primary purposes and values of an institutional church is the accurrate transmission of knowledge/wisdom/spirit.
and what of those popes?
I've always wanted to say this back to a protestant, and you're elected:
God knows what's he's doing, this is the way He set it up, take it up with Him if you don't like it.
{^-^}
So, my argument is from three sides: this is the way the foundation was laid (from history); and, this is a more effective way of passing on the true treachings through the great expanse of time (from practicality); and, no matter how you select bishops, humans do the discerning, saying otherwise makes men God (reducio..)
I had a thought about the question of "moral likeness," and wondered if perhaps Thomas à Kempis' Imitation of Christ might be an accepted guide...