I LOVE reading these type of posts, Troy!! Connecting daily street observations and connecting back to the tech culture :) The part ". The moment I started asking basic questions, the salesperson could tell immediately that I was not a local merchant doing business. But before she finished overcharging me for the Pi..." made me laugh hahah. Also really interesting to see how vendors pre-configure / install OpenClaw as a 'value add' to sell their items. I like your conclusion "The “AI layer” is being packaged, priced, and distributed on a shelf in Shenzhen, still warm from the factory"

Just subscribed :D