^^^YUP!
Wax on, wax off.
Molon Labe
I don't believe it has anything to do with trust. When I make an appointment, whether it is with a lady from here or a doctor or dentist I'm committing to showing up and they are reserving time for me. If I don't show up at the last minute that time is wasted and I don't feel there's anything wrong with expecting some compensation for that. If it makes them more comfortable to have that money up front I have no problem with that.
Here’s the difference: the doc triple-books appointments because he EXPECTS people to not show or sit in the lobby with expired copies of “good housekeeping,” and we are programmed to accept this. We can’t/won’t do this in the hobby.