I have seen this way to often in other areas. That is the push here as well AI can sort through it. Too many people are held to account for not meeting what amounts to made up numbers.
I do this frequently. To prevent vendor lock in and allow us to easily pivot if pricing gets out line. We pay to support the project and get technical support when needed. Considering how little we use technical support. It should be a good deal for the company.
I generally like having these systems in place, because I find when dealing with certain vendors and businesses that following these helps me weed out many scammers when dealing with large amounts of money. Every transfer required a discussion with the teller asking questions about transfers and if the transaction is suspicious. Yes, criminals will find a way, but I find it provides me an easier screening to ensure some businesses are more likely legit.
I don't do video because I don't work with it, but I do image compression for fun and no profit. I do use some video techniques due to the type of images I am compressing. I don't release because of the minefield. I do it because it's fun. The simulation runs and other tasks often I kick to the cloud for the larger compute needs.
For some people it isn't 'just politics'. They feel threatened by potential loss of freedom and life. If it was just a disagreement on tax rates or some government spending it would be different. His views are against someone else's existence.
SOAP is used far more than most people realize. I deal extensively in "cutting edge" industries that rely heavily on SOAP or SOAP based protocols. Supply chain systems and manufacturing.
I agree with your understanding of physics, but when you put human decision making in the loop you have to account for that in any solution. For some "eating less and moving more" can have other consequences. O was always taught good engineering requires an understanding of human behavior. I would prefer to eat less and move more.