Now I'm questioning whether it's worth it to bother helping if I'm not actually solving the root problem! I doubt that was your intent though. Surely there is benefit for the giver and the receiver of good deeds even if it results in "failure", right? So long as the new set of challenges created don't exceed the problems that originally existed.
Root problems are certainly the hardest to solve, but help can come in many forms even if it doesn't get at the core issue. I think what's most important is to get feedback on the help you're offering. Whatever we do, good intentions aren't enough. :)
Now I'm questioning whether it's worth it to bother helping if I'm not actually solving the root problem! I doubt that was your intent though. Surely there is benefit for the giver and the receiver of good deeds even if it results in "failure", right? So long as the new set of challenges created don't exceed the problems that originally existed.
Root problems are certainly the hardest to solve, but help can come in many forms even if it doesn't get at the core issue. I think what's most important is to get feedback on the help you're offering. Whatever we do, good intentions aren't enough. :)