Over a few years' time, most of the TLs I've worked with have been very hard-working. They are not mere "cheerleaders who do not work" or "dead wood".
I can be very critical of many things at Target. I also realize that when our outspoken and intelligent OP denounces poor leadership and suggests major changes in store-level supervision and management, OP is being what I'd call "passionate but not persuasive". My hunch is OP has become disappointed and disillusioned about their own career at Target, for a variety of possible causes.
No workplace or business on the face of the earth is totally free from human problems like cliquishness, favoritism, tribalism, envy, covering up mistakes, exaggerating performance results, or just plain being mean or intolerant towards co-workers.
Since Target is very flexible for scheduling students enrolled in school, perhaps it would be useful to take a few business courses at a local community college, while also finding a better career opportunity.