"I find it utterly extraordinary that electors have, on some occasions, voted against the popular vote in their state. I would think it would be considered tantamount to treason to do that, but apparently not."

That is one of the great features of our system. We elect individuals, not opinion polls. Of course our problem is too many politicians depend on the polls and pay more attention to them then common sense.

In the long run, it is a good system - with flaws but with checks and balances that can work. It isn't as draconian as some would like to paint it out to be.