I mean bartenders are unironically useless. If there was a machine that dispensed highballs I would much rather prefer that than leaning over the counter for 20 minutes waiting for my drink while the bartender flirts with some girl.
Pubs started as "public houses". What's the point if you don't know the regulars? Why go out?
Imagine Cheers with robo Ted Dansen. (Actually, that might be awesome, for very different reasons...)
I sit at my usual wine bar and chuckle watching across the street, people standing in line for 30 minutes to get into a loud club with mediocre drinks. Then again, that club is hugely profitable.