> Shame we've given up all our free time to work so we can buy worse alternatives.

Not true on average. The average American spends 4-5 hours a day on personal screen time.

And those who complain about not having time to cook I'd bet dollars to donuts are pulling that average up, if my personal lived experience is anything to go by.

There is a case here in terms of two income households being the norm these days, but that's really about it. The average person today lives a life of far more comfort and convenience than even in the 90's.