So someone bugged with something like this implant could fully power off their laptop when discussing sensitive information, and if they left a bugged USB drive plugged in, they could still be compromised.
Also I don't understand the concern with people not trusting Intel. By using their hardware in any form you are inherently trusting them. Unless you are able to check their design and fabrication process, they could easily hide something in there to disable protections in Windows or Linux based on certain patterns of network traffic.
Privacy is not just some option, it is law. Surveillance and hidden surveillance of users is illegal in most countries and any technology with the capability to do so has to be disclosed with end user control.
> most don't seem to value their privacy
Most people do value their privacy, but are either ignorant of how strongly technology can damage their privacy[1] or fee there isn't any other option or alternative.
> nothing will change
It will change when the people that do understand technology work to preserve privacy over profit and convenience, educate the general public about privacy issues, and inform them of privacy respecting alternatives.
[1] Businesses tend to encourage ignorant and/or misleading beliefs when they promise impressive features backed u[p with useless promises to "take security seriously".
The non-average user should have no problem mucking around in BIOS settings.
Physical switches for the USB ports sound like they'd be as confusing for most people as the physical wifi switch was, when that was common. I think that means that if some manufacturer decides to introduce them, they won't be around long.
I believe you have to use CDs instead for a lot of cases.
I've encountered extended color coding on multiple gaming oriented motherboards: Black for USB 2, Blue for USB 3.1 (so far so standard), Red for persistently powered.
That way you can have your phone connected to that port and have it charge overnight, etc.