Reason is mankind's primary tool for survival as mankind. Therefore, we cannot tolerate sloppy use of this tool. Those who justify bad grammar or inept diction because the masses persist in such sloppiness reduce the power of language, and thus reason. Such an irresponsible position is just as untenable as condoning incompetent driving practices or child abuse or bigotry simply because they are common. The purpose of academia, in fact of all of mankind's intellectual pursuits, must be to raise the standard, and not to succumb to the lowest common denominator.
Reason is the only frontier left.
The Vocabula Review is so important a contribution that I'm a bit distressed at taking exceptions. I felt, however, one proposed substitute wasn't absolutely fitting. Grammarians have sought simply to identify some general patterns in the use of the language and to suggest that adherence to those patterns facilitates gracious wording, thus understanding. Of course those patterns are malleable. They do change.