For instance: Time Warner Cable screwed up my cable package, charging me 220$ (a la carte) rather than 90$ (bundle). I contacted them, they admitted the mistake, and fixed the next month---I still ended up out 65$. I'd really like that money (moral imperative), but there's no legal way for me to seek relief for that small amount. If TWC messes up 1/50 accounts, once a year, for 50$, then they stand to make 500k--1mm$ a year just in my area. There's literally profit to be had between the legal cracks.

Totally agree.

I'm beginning to think one of the biggest causes of all this crap in the US is the "American rule" regarding legal costs. Even if you win, you still lose unless it was a massive case. Stupid.