The Myth of Self-Service ... it's not always best, it's not always worse, but it's always part of a strategy to re-direct resource use costs from the traditional service provider to the end consumer; of course, sometimes it works, sometimes it fails, and often it has unintended consequences (e.g., the airline industry's push for self-service tools such as pushing for direct sales via the internet has increased pricing transparency for end consumers thus creating hyper-competition; e.g., the airline industry's push for self-service kiosks and web check-in dilute the distinction between the frequent flier meisters vs. the light seasonal vacation traveller thus making it easier for all travellers to freely choose whichever carrier is matrixed for their particular version of best price -- inclusive of frequent flier mile/rebate adjustment -- best timed, and best quality/service instead of their "preferred" carrier based on status.)