[MatekCopatek]

The average consumer lacks the knowledge and skill to objectively assess the quality of a knife, the seller is aware of that and manipulates them through advertising.

Is a democratic election free if everyone voted freely, but was under the influence of widespread propaganda?

[aargh_aargh]

If they weren't able to objectively assess the quality, they surely wouldn't be complaining, would they? But you mean pre-sale assessment, and that's again not an issue of skill because this is a repeat game. They are well aware by now that they're being manipulated but still price wins over quality.

I'm not going to argue the political metaphor because I feel the parallels there are too far apart to be a useful comparison.