Funny, given that I teach in one! The middle school example was just to refute your point. Namely to show, despite the lack of degree-granting/admissions/pecuniary incentives to cheat, students still will cheat for short term perceived gains, with negative effects for everyone in the process.
I'm a-gonna go now, because I feel like you're being willfully obtuse.
What is that short term apparent benefit?
> No one looks at middle school students' grades except the students and their parents-- well, and for eligibility for participation in athletics.
You might be forgetting about high schools.