It's a classic and iconic piece of computer literature -- it even provided a common phrase used describe certain methodologies ("worse is better").

Not to mention it's quite short and to the point, this is not some academic or over-indulgent blah-blah.

As for the use of the word "worse" it makes perfect sense, and the context is very easy to pick up.

I can't even fathom how one could say it "wanders".