I don't really see what the problem is. I bought a full-sided mouse with a retractable cord at Staples when I was in Buffalo a couple of years ago for $9.99. I threw it in my laptop bag and it's always there so I can use it on board aircraft or anywhere.

The problem isn't that people can't use a mouse, it's that they can't use a mouse the way they want to use a mouse.

Personally, I like having one less battery-dependent thing when I'm travelling so I like the corded mouse.