The switching cost point is profound and real. You might just see that same dynamic at your place of employment.

I've taken a good portion of that route and there are a few more places deserving of the poo poo label.

They have a predatory business model. "Hey we're cheaper than the competition". Once you're soaking in it and need features, they have options but it'll cost you. I reckon they have slick sales people who know how to pander to the egos of middle management as well. You know ... The people who don't actually have to use the tool but sure like to feel like they somehow matter.

You see shades of this all over law enforcement unfortunately. Public service isn't a thing anymore.

Opt out. If we don't exercise our rights, we lose them.

"What if they retaliate and make life difficult for me? "

That's both illegal and against policy. If someone delays your right to travel for this specific reason, delay their job by asking for their supervisor and their name and employee number. Then file a complaint. That will dissuade that public servant (and their leadership) from exhibiting such behavior and encouraging it respectively.

"But they are capturing your image in 10 skillion other public locations."

1. Sure, and you have the option to create your own privacy in public.
2. Further, what's the real purpose of the scanner at the TSA check if they already have that detailed image of your retina, your facial pore patterns and whatever the fsck else they store? They don't have that level of detail yet on CCTV.

If you don't care, then that's fine. Some people don't mind the slow encroachments on 4th Amendment protections. Cool. Others do. Cool also. That's why we can opt out.

We as a society have really dropped the ball on the low IQ population among us. We need more options that don't include giving them guns. We can give them badges if they want - and whatever quasi military rank they prefer without giving them the means to kill us.

I guess the shame and expense Sony learned the hard way in 2005 has faded and now kernel invasion has become acceptable.

We had a CVS Pharmacy location near me that decided to leave that location. Self checkout there was based on assuming everyone was a thief. All their wounds were self inflicted. Almost everything was locked up and you could never find someone to get your item for you. The genius management thought it was going to help profitability by deterring theft. Instead it was a deterrent to willing and eager customers wanting to buy their stuff. When you step over a dollar to get to a dime, your business is on borrowed time.

Don't on tread me

I'm sure it didn't go well. If it was somehow framed in a sycophantic way where the police were led to believe it was their idea, I'm sure it would have gone better. Wait that might not be too difficult to do.

Late stage capitalism. Relentless pursuit of higher quarterly profits and earnings that fuel CEO bonuses and shareholder dividends. All at the expense of the people people who actually create the value. Also. That first line ain't paying for college loans.

Let's go back to powdered wigs, knickers and coat tails. I'm sure Mitch McConnel remembers those.