The AKC is there to help the breeder...more puppies...more registrations...and why they support volume breeders.
AKC in 2005 did notify their breeders of some of the issues:
American Kennel Club - AKC Breeder
Here is a list of some of the research AKC has donated $$$ to that was donated to them:
American Kennel Club Search - Powered by Google
You have options and there are groups out there educating the public which is helping to change laws. Change is slow.
Just curious when the lightbulb went on for you?