[dsfyu404ed]

Well of course they don't call it a protection racket or sandbagging supply when they're pitching it.

They make vague statements about quality of work, safety, keeping "bad guys" out, etc. and YouPeople(TM) eat it up without the slightest thought about the tradeoffs because you like the face value of what you here.

[SuperNinKenDo]

Same arguments that any trade guild makes, but most guilds were working- and middle-class affairs. The powers that be only seem to accept these arguments when they're made by the upper-crust of society. Like favours like and all that I suppose.

[dsfyu404ed]

Most of the blue collar trades have been pretty successful getting their protectionist regulation passed.

[SuperNinKenDo]

I don't agree with that, but I could be wrong.