[internaut]

Everything is S&D, but not necessarily based on rationality. Analogy: The shopping activities of Jews and Muslims don't have an effect on pork prices high or low.

A great many people in our society place higher value on their status than on realizing rational market moves. And to rub salt into the wound, many middle class can't afford a $200-500 dollar callout because their wages have been stagnant as well.

I'll say it again: the existence of Home Depot and other home improvement stores is evidence for wage stagnation.

> Plenty of humans can physically rearrange stuff

It might seem that way but I believe we presently have a building labour shortage. Anecdotally I don't know many master craftsmen, that species seems to be rarer today.

> white collar incumbent's ability to make it illegal to replace them

That is true but that's a problem with government.

There's a limit to how far that can go as well. I see a lot of young entrepreneurs undercutting legal and accounting online.

[someguydave]

I agree there is a shortage of craftsman. This is probably because they aren't paid well for their years of apprenticeship.