In some cases, having the fixed repayment rate but varying loan length can be good for people, because it gives them some stability in terms of knowing costs. But, it can also get out of hand, continually kicking the can down the road.
It is amazing how many people do not make the exercise of analyzing a financial product over the period of time it will last.
We have talked about it before, but I think it is just that we are becoming increasingly shortsighted in every area. We want it now, so put it on credit, and the size of loan we are willing to take is getting larger. Prices go up - more credit. It was unheard of a few years ago here, that people would use a credit card for a meal - but getting more normal now.