...and there's multiple ways of achieving it. It's a valid criticism of a number of PR systems, so I don't see why you wouldn't choose a PR system that doesn't have the issue.

I like STV with multi-member constituencies. You merge a number of existing neighbouring constituencies together (Say 5) and vote to elect 5 representatives for that new large constituency based on people's ranked preferences. There's a few things I like about it:

• It avoids the "Party List" concept, which is just the ultimate safe seat.
• It still allows for independent candidates, as party affiliation is not a material concern in any aspect of the election.
• It gives people a choice of representatives. Ever lived in a constituency where your MP doesn't share your values? Well, now you have a much better chance of at least one of them being on your side of an argument.
• People can vote for candidates who have "no chance" of winning, safe in the knowledge that their 2nd/3rd/4th preference will still get their support if their first preference is eliminated.