Obviously, they've never spent any real time in Boston.
Real Boston residents are PROUD of their potholes. I suspect some of them are made on purpose to keep out anyone who isn't a "Townie"... The boys in the Irish bars in Southie watch as "Fo-eghnahs" shatter their front ends as an afternoon pastime. No, really, I've had a pint and laughed along. Massachusetts Ave in Cambridge (especially around Central Square/MIT) is an Olympic obstacle course of busses, lost Suburbanites try to get to the expressway, and Yawning Caverns to the very Pits of Hell. There was a reason they had all those witch trials in Boston. Yawning Maws of the Abyss tend to attract that type, as many are unaware the Charles is actually a tributary of the Styx.
You are right of course about the tracking aspect.. Big Brother is already around enough, thanks! The work crews already know the problem areas. They have been the same problem areas for a few HUNDRED YEARS. A better idea would be to design a better fabric to enhance the durability of the road surface, and effective road management in enforcing weight limits on non-reinforced roadways. I'm just sayin.