> To many in the group, northern California’s low-rise buildings looked shabby ... They didn’t see the shared bikes ... can’t believe Americans still use credit cards and cash

I too was shocked about how unappealing Silicon Valley was. I'm an American.

It was like "wow they don't know they are imagining solving problems that aren't a problem for the rest of the country"

Pull off to any random gas station on the peninsula? Sorry you need cash at the pump. Already in the line to the carwash? TOUGH LUCK! better get out your car, run to the attendant and get cash! Don't mind that the bank freezes your debit card at this location because its sketchy af, further inconveniencing everyone in the carwash line waiting for you. Where is the apple or google pay? Nonexistent.

I digress, that has almost nothing to do with anything. It is just the reality of whats in Silicon Valley, distinct from more cosmopolitan areas.

Silicon Valley's real inconveniences are partially California administrative problems. And as the article points out, the US is like a big corporation, lots of things in your way before change.