As far as the US goes, I wouldn't doubt that it's intertwined with our religious history. "Spare the rod, spoil the child". Still getting our child-rearing advice from bronze age shepherds.
As someone who works with PHP on Mac OS, the installed version was nothing more than annoyance you have to deal with if you're using the actual runtime. Otherwise, used Docker and ignored it.
This pretty much sums up the press when it comes to investments or even crypto. The tiniest blip equates to the sky is falling (or fire sale!). Zoom out and it's nothing.
> we bought new construction and didn't have to compete with anyone
In my market this isn't the case. Some builders are having literal blind auctions on small lot starter homes - after the X months wait list gets you there.
There is a lot of greed driving home sales right now. Every homeowner I know has at least considered making bank in this market. The only thing stopping them is they'll then need to buy a home cheaper and further out or lose that profit.
My two-layers out suburb of an attractive city had a coworker sell their starter-esque home purchased a few years ago for $350k sell for $620k-ish in the matter of three days. Meanwhile, I'm languishing hoping to buy my first home before I'm too old. About to permanently give up.
I've lost all trust in Amazon and competitors. I try to buy direct from the company producing the product when I can. The shipping times aren't much different. Maybe no same or next day.
Try Bandcamp.