Setting a browser preference is not giving explicit opt-in informed consent to handle my personal data (for that is what this is about) on a case by case basis.

Setting a browser preference is not giving explicit opt-in informed consent to handle my personal data (for that is what this is about) on a case by case basis. That is what the law requires. Blame the unnecessary gathering of personal data (and think about why they want it!), not the 'cookie law'.