> the procedure requires a module produced and sold by the manufacturer So now the manufacturer has yet another method of extorting would-be mechanics. You'd h

> the procedure requires a module produced and sold by the manufacturer So now the manufacturer has yet another method of extorting would-be mechanics. You'd have to regulate pricing or aggressively prosecute attempts at anticompetitive tactics. > in case the manufacturer ceases to exist... And who goes to jail when the company folds and, in the fire sale, the master key is on a system that gets wiped when being transferred to the new owner? Key escrow sounds like a better idea to me. Perhaps legislation should specify the creation of a public agency, or maybe we could leave it to private competition. As for the remainder of your points, I believe you're thinking in the right direction.