This makes me wonder, though: Who started the IP checks? I think there's a high chance this by itself was anticipatory obedience, since it's fairly easy and cos

This makes me wonder, though: Who started the IP checks? I think there's a high chance this by itself was anticipatory obedience, since it's fairly easy and cost-effective to do and it gives companies at least something to point at in case of a lawsuit. But my point is that all of this compliance theater does add up; every once in a while mistakes (as outlined in TFA) do happen. Even if they don't, almost free isn't the same thing as free – and some company will inevitably go even further, it'll set a precedent, and the cost to everybody will increase, with questionable benefit.