Well, as you have very elaborately laid out the situation now is a lot different from previous. And I agree with you that the change in index is most probably due to the openness now rather than an increase in corruption.

What bothers me more is the counter argument from hardcore supporters we get when we level some constructive criticism at this government. They would always compare to the situation previously. I also voted for change, so that means we voted to change the situation from before so i dont see a reason to keep comparing to the previous.

Some mega projects like the Gaafaru wind farm just seems a little shaky. The background of the company associated with it has not been revealed officially. GE is not the company undertaking it, GE would only supply the equipment and they havnt even carried out a feasibility on it yet. Questions are there also on the Hanimadhoo airport upgrade and the 10k beds offered along with that.

All in all, a long way still to go in seeing the change I had expected. And I think I have ended up writing a comment as long as your post itself, oops. So ill end it there. Cheers