You shudder to think what the system envisioned by the Founding Fathers would deliver?
One point you're missing is that the State Legislatures are far less important than they were pre-17th. If it was repealed, the makeup of the legislatures would be different. Remember, there was a time in American history when being a state senator was more important than being a congressman.
The state reps and senators actually still have a lot of clout, at least here in Mass. They reigned in one Rep. Meehan a few years ago when he openly discussed his intention to run for Governor. Shortly after, new districts were offered which would have effectively ended his career in Congress.
If indeed Mass. does lose two seats in Congress after the next census there is going to be a lot of cowering up on Be-A-Con Hill.