I'd agree with you, except for the fact that the free samples aren't limitless. Companies make a certain quantity of free samples and will ship them out until they're gone... they generally won't make extras and they won't not ship unclaimed ones, since they'll just wait until they're claimed. Therefore, every free sample made will end up going out regardless of whether we FTers request them or not.

Now, if we could get companies to stop giving out free samples, or get the majority of requesters (nationwide) to stop requesting them, that would be useful. Otherwise, the number of free samples manufactured and shipped will remain unchanged regardless.

(For the record, I am an avid anti-waste proponent.)