[drinian]

I find your single example of "unfreedom" in Europe to be entirely nonsensical.

Your friend was sued for defamation, and folded rather than take it to court, in one of the fairest court systems in the world, where she likely could have won cost plus damages if she had any evidence for her claims.

In China, someone might have shown up at her front door with a club -- and that someone might have a police badge or work for the mayor.

Also, the Chinese legal system is likely more Byzantine than that of Germany; it's just that it's not enforced. You're going to be in for a world of hurt when the government shuts you down for not having some kind of license you've never heard of.