I recently figured out buying a pack of gum at the closest grocery store and using cash-back at the register is actually a cheaper way to get cash than the ATM outside the store charging $3 for a withdrawal.

I dare anyone to tell me with a straight face that this is a well-run, efficient system we have going. Profit-seeking in capitalism is meant to incentivize new ideas and greater efficiency. Currently though its mostly incentivizing throwing a wrench in any solution that leads to less profit. The tail is wagging the dog.