Haven't read all the pages, so forgive me if this has been mentioned;
Here in the US one can visit a supermarket, and check out ones' goods via a scanner. All by yourself. Insert credit card. Leave.
That don't get much usage in these parts (although is slowly catching on....)
As a punter, I have two choices: an automated a/c, or one with a coupla drivers up front. Ticket costs no more than 25% difference.
I know what choice I'd be making.
It might be possible, and it might be better, but it will take several generations to get over the fact of wanting human intervention.
Just an innocent bystanders 0.2.