I'll just add that your viewpoint is just the opposite side of the coin. I'm not as price conscious as I am convenience conscious.

It's not worth my time and anxiety levels having to deal with the side-effects of the budget choice which you listed out.

I also get a pretty nice corporate discount from my work which makes the big boys a no brainer. Although I still used the main car rental places before and the process was super smooth. Literally need a car and sign up for it in 10 minutes. Show up and get the car in ~5 minutes. At airports with kiosks you scan your license and go straight to get the car.