What is the expectation here? That actors should be personally clearing their prop firearms on set?

Yes. Or at the very least giving a basic inspection. Absolutely.

I can understand blaming producers for a generally lax and unsafe environment, but in the end?

Alec was also a producer.

Someone loaded that live round in that gun. That’s who should get the manslaughter charge.

They should also face charges, yes.

I despise Alec Baldwin, but this charge seems retarded unless he loaded the gun.

He aimed and pulled the trigger, as well as ignored every safety rule. He's liable, no questions. I don't care who loaded the gun. If someone hands me a gun, I don't check it, I aim it at someone, pull the trigger, and kill them...I'm going to jail.