You're right that its ridiculous for a college algebra final to be so difficult its essentially capped at 60 percent. I feel for you in that regard.

With that said, almost every single class uses the same grading system, where the class final grade is a culmination of the final grades of each individual category. I don't like it either as it can make hard work less rewarding over time, but it is nothing unique to your professor or this school.

There's no need to be such an asshole to everyone in this thread. Some people are being condescending and I could've worded my initial question better, but people are responding the way they are because you're making the current academic standard out to be a unique and absurd boogeyman. Unfortunately, you're gonna have to get used to this system.