Boy, I can identify with these comments. I refuse most "loyalty" cards just out of principle. Like Noni says, the time and fuel investment in following these tricks is not cost-effective unless you make it a hobby. The extra I pay (and I can't afford much) I consider to be a populist "donation" to trying to change the system. I don't like the feeling of being manipulated. (It's the same with self-service checkouts ... why shouldn't we get a price cut for doing our own work??)

A suggestion: all commenters and the concerned should spend that same time writing these businesses and complaining, and even boycotting them. They sneer at us because they think we'll all be forced to succumb eventually. Well, I've got news for them: I've "downsized" my needs and desires considerably, with their encouragement!