There is evidence that the framers intended the court to do what they do, Federalist Papers and all that.
The framers simply didn't put it into the Constitution and the Court decided lo and behold it was there all the time. People have accepted Marbury and most think it was written into the Constitution.
Even Robert Bork gives credit to Marshall for Marbury. In his estimation, it seems that without it the Union would tear itself a part.
But then he says that Marshall was somewhat contradictory in his behavior as a judge in his later years.
Certainly, one thing that has failed has been the legislature. They should move to make sure the exact limitations defined by the courts are challenged on a routine basis.
I don't believe courts seek to write laws (with some exceptions). However, their words are often interpreted as such.