The real problem is the power loss, which is fine for rich people doing personal installs in their home, but probably rules this out for high-volume charging services. I’m just not sure how big the “rich people personal installs” market is.

Not only that, but this requires object detection and the car suspension has to drop to (nearly) meet it, which seems like it’s enough work that automated contact charging can’t be wildly more difficult.

Sure, and they charge you individually for each little thing you want on it. But that doesn't mean $8000 is nothing.

Nah. A single good 220 outlet is sufficient for keeping three actively used EVs well charged at home. We use a middle range one (40 amp, not 50) and it supports three cars easily. With 50 amp it would be even easier. Most houses come with these already installed.

Hell, a single good 110 outlet ("good" meaning higher amp, like a kitchen or garage outlet) is sufficient for keeping two actively used EVs well charged at home if Superchargers are available as a backup.