It's all fun and games until someone gets kidnapped.
There's also the situation where a lot of American towns/cities aren't so crowded that you can walk everywhere. And not everywhere in America is there good public transportation.
Maeby was definitely smarter than George Michael. Even if she wasn't, GM puts her on a pedestal. AD isn't a very good example for your argument, all of the characters have severe flaws.
edit: Was anything signed?