We are currently in a centralized system. As you said, everything is controlled and observed by a higher authority, and very little information is given to the public. 
But we will transition into a shift any time soon. The 'Middle Ground' you mentioned is that transition.  Major companies and governments are slowly adopting the blockchain technology providing most of its features (faster transactions when needed, reduced fees no more middle man, contract signings etc).
A decentralized system will probably take much longer to be implemented and is definitely the dream as it removes power from any one person and divides it among every individual in the system.