Oh, I agree that for some, tenure means they can have an easy life for the rest of their career.
Another problem I see, however, is that tenure can be redefined and is changing depending on subjects. There are subjects where, realistically, your only chance is to either take that one job, whether it offers real tenure or not. The universities of course know that as well and are thus in a position where they can put significantly more into your employment contract than a tenured position would normally entail. If for example the above mentioned grading system would work, then it would get rid of the possibility of "just teaching", however, as can be seen in another reply of mine below to another poster, the grading system is fundamentally flawed.
As an aside: UArk has the above mentioned system of "tenure" in place for all professors
Another problem I see, however, is that tenure can be redefined and is changing depending on subjects. There are subjects where, realistically, your only chance is to either take that one job, whether it offers real tenure or not. The universities of course know that as well and are thus in a position where they can put significantly more into your employment contract than a tenured position would normally entail. If for example the above mentioned grading system would work, then it would get rid of the possibility of "just teaching", however, as can be seen in another reply of mine below to another poster, the grading system is fundamentally flawed.
As an aside: UArk has the above mentioned system of "tenure" in place for all professors