I Before E, Except After C, and Except For All the Exceptions

This has got to be the least favorite spelling rule around the offices here at Destandardize Language. Why the exceptions? Whynot just have it be a freeforall? There is no logical reason for i and e to make the "long e" sound in only one sequence, and in fact they make the same sound either way you write them, ie or ei can both make the "long e" sound. Is the archaic spelling of the word so important that we have a rule about it so people can bitch at me my whole life for forgetting it? Destandardize Language would argue that since the two spellings are functionally equivalent, the "i before e" rule should be rescinded in its entirety.