[mc32]

It's odd but I guess natural for people to need "an excuse" to have a pause. There is nothing keeping these people from doing this by themselves: stay home and do nothing (don't tend to household chores, or anything else, just to what you decided in advance to do, like reading or writing) if home is too busy, head down to the library and again, do what you planned to do, or a hotel and same. But it seems the problem is often times one will break a promise with oneself (to not be interrupted, distracted). So it's easier to rely on proscribed behavior (of this mock prison, for example).

[Mononokay]

> There is nothing keeping these people from doing this by themselves: stay home and do nothing (don't tend to household chores, or anything else, just to what you decided in advance to do, like reading or writing) if home is too busy, head down to the library and again, do what you planned to do, or a hotel and same.

Except, y'know, rent, property tax, the price of food...keeping the heat on, being able to afford gas, maintaining social relationships...it's almost like there's a lot of factors in this.

[mc32]

Well, it’s not as if going to this mock prison magically absolves them of their day-to-day responsibilities, except they get to pay for this “priviledge” and get back to their normal lives when they check out.

[Mononokay]

It gets rid of the need for food, gas and most others. The price is definitely cheaper than otherwise.