I have sitting for me a senator than first ran for office on his own dime. True he had a heck of a lot of dimes, still does.
But it is not so much a matter of wealth but a matter of cost!
Fickle I;ll give you. Ignorant I am not so sure. Perhaps misled is a better term!
Abolishing parties may not be possible. Humans by nature draw together in like minded groups. This does have some benefits, or should, in that you know where those of the group stand on certain things.