"[...]regulated [...] markets offer the possibility of legal defense by definition. Thus, the customer is not left defenseless." I don't know about the US but

"[...]regulated [...] markets offer the possibility of legal defense by definition. Thus, the customer is not left defenseless." I don't know about the US but in Germany and Austria this could not be more wrong. Your ability to object through legal procedures is highly dependent on the regulatory field you are working in. Is is most awful in fields with state monopolies like work permits or licensing.