[semiquaver]

  > Why can't they offer a last-resort option like showing up in person at an Apple Store with government-issued photo ID?

This is easy to defeat and completely subverts the purpose of the system. If you are not comfortable with self-custody then don’t opt in.

[nottorp]

Only because you don't have proper IDs over there in the US?

I'd say a lot of identity problems are there because companies have to identify people without an official ID somehow...