[DensaMensa]

Even with Honors classes you cannot make over a 4.0 here.

That's due to "grade inflation" which began in the '60s. Before then almost no one made a 4.0 so picking the Val and Sal was not difficult. If there was a tie, they flipped a coin.

[LibertarianInExile]

No, it's due to tracking systems and grade weighting. In many school systems, honors, AP and IB classes get extra points added to the regular 4.0 scale. So a 4.6 reflects the fact that the student took more difficult classes instead of cruising through the basketweaving and basic math courses to a 4.0--it actually is in opposition to grade inflation. Ivy League and other selective colleges supposedly have an easier time with this kind of system in admissions considerations.

But like you, I don't like it. I don't understand why they can't just knock the dumb classes DOWN a point, instead of letting every dimbulb get a 4.0 for acing 'Math For Daily Living.' I can imagine this builds far too much unhealthy self-esteem.

"I am TOO smart--I gots a 4.0!"