If you can point to an example of a country that was able to do as you suggest, I am very willing to research their ideas and actions. As it is, while the parties can be frustrating as hell, and I write as a Democrat who hates super delegates, I see no practical alternative.
We humans just can't be depended upon to do the work of learning of the issues and finding the best candidates. We could perhaps, if we were a planeload of people lost on an island, but this is a nation of 350 million people. Without parties, the chaos would probably just let even more snake oil populist salesmen and women take over the headlines and steal from the treasury.
And yes, that happens already, but anarchy in the political realm would lead to what high school politics looks like.
No offense to students, but they don't hold nuclear triggers or the keys to the treasury.
On balance, I blame the parties less and the American psyche more. We are a devastated, battered people.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene