That is interesting history.  However, surgical correction of imbalances is certainly drastically more humane that locking a human in a cage for decades.  If we cared (obviously we don't), we would scientifically evaluate efficacy of various corrective actions without emotional input as to what feels best.  Imprisonment is an ancient concept.  Time has passed.  We still engage in the ancient practice simply because it feels good emotionally despite its cruelty and equally importantly its extremely high cost.