I think grading fairly is essential for proper education.
I disagree with you, for I know that grades aren't the end all be all for education
Then you have a narrow understanding of education.
Sure, grade your students' work fairly, but don't pass or fail them just because of that. You should be more open-minded on how to assess if students understand the material.
You're just being a grade grubber. Grading fairly is all that matters because that's the only thing that measures education.
Just because grades measure assessment doesn't mean it should be the only thing that's important. I believe it's best for teacher to foster growth in many other ways other than letter grades, which is in itself fair raising on the students. They will learn lots more than doing tests.