The point of the stock market is to invest in companies, not extract value from the public. The benefits of HFT have run their course, now it's simply a tax on the small traders who want to get into the market.
There is also the cost to consider. With all those extra gadgets laying around, it's easy to set your iPad aside and have it disappear. Then you're out $500-$900
I'm surprised your account hasn't been shadow banned. HN usually doesn't allow meta-HN conversations. I suppose it's on topic here, but watch what you say.