Somehow I come away skeptical of the inevitable conclusion that Phoenix was doomed to fail and instead that perhaps they were hamstrung by architecture constraints dictated by assholes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Comprehensive_Compens...
Payroll systems seem to be a massively complicated beast.
Now in the new project they put together a committee to attempt it
> The main objective of this committee also includes simplifying the pay rules for public servants, in order to reduce the complexity of the development of Phoenix's replacement. This complexity of the current pay rules is a result of "negotiated rules for pay and benefits over 60 years that are specific to each of over 80 occupational groups in the public service." making it difficult to develop a single solution which can handle each occupational groups specific needs.
Any time you think about touching them, the people who get those salaries come out in droves and no one else cares so government has every incentive to leave them alone.
No single person is going to understand all of the history and legality involved, or be able to represent the people on all sides of this mess.
Yes, this means discussion, investigation, almost certainly months of effort to find something that works, and lots of compromise. That's how adults deal with complex situations.