Eucharistic Prayer Number Two

Perhaps it's only a phenomenum in the Archdiocese of Washington, but I've noticed that at Mass - be it weekday or Sunday - the second Eucharistic prayer is almost always used, to the de facto exclusion of the others.  I can think of only one reason, and if my guess is true, it's a rather sad display of misplaced priorities.  Of the four Eucharistic prayer, it is the shortest.  And yes, I've noticed this disparity in usage has increased during this current pontificate.

Obviously the Consecration is still there and it certainly is valid.  But we can say the same for the other three.  Are the priests and congregation in such a hurry to rush through Mass so they can get on with whatever it is they want to do?  Have they no recollection that the Mass is the most important item in their days, where they encounter the Lord Jesus Christ not just spiritually but physically?

If time is really an issue, there are many things that can be curtailed, if not eliminated.

• Congratulating "senor altar servers" and other parish volunteers during Mass (probably a liturgical abuse anyway).\
• Reciting half the bulletin
• Jokes and guffaws during homilies
• Quizzing the congregation during homilies (since when does the GIRM allow that?)
• Singing all verses of the entrance hymn
• Requiring the congregation to remain until all six verses of the recessional hymn is sung (violating the GIRM's stated purpose of the recessional)

Holy Mass is the pinnacle of our week - and the Consecration is the pinnacle of Mass, is it not?  Does that not deserve more focus?  Why not the first prayer - which is the Roman Canon, used for centuries?  It is so much more expressive of the mysteries of our Faith.  Can that not be used more than just 2 -3 times a year?

How many others have noticed this?  Any thoughts?