I think the lack of EA work on bad policy comes largely from the heavy competition in the area. To an extent, improving policy is zero-sum in that there are lots of people who are actively working against any particular policy (some good policies receive minimal opposition, but there probably aren’t many of these). Whereas if you, say, donate money to AMF, few people will try to stop you. Even those who disagree with your decision won’t actually prevent you from giving the money and won’t prevent AMF from distributing the bednets.
I think the lack of EA work on bad policy comes largely from the heavy competition in the area. To an extent, improving policy is zero-sum in that there are lots of people who are actively working against any particular policy (some good policies receive minimal opposition, but there probably aren’t many of these). Whereas if you, say, donate money to AMF, few people will try to stop you. Even those who disagree with your decision won’t actually prevent you from giving the money and won’t prevent AMF from distributing the bednets.