That's why "prison is punishment" is supported by some people - if there should exist a social self-improvement program, shouldn't we be giving it to those whose behaviors we want to encourage?

I think the issue here really is that regular life became so fucked up that prison seems like a better option. Isolation from participating in society should be punishment on its own, but it isn't, given how the participation looks for most people.

Reminds me of that time I remember from my childhood, when my dad had a friend in a hospital, and would go on ranting about how that friend has much worse food and entertainment than a typical prisoner...

In my state at least it's only for 7 years and only felonies or financial crimes. So you could always commit some non-financial misdemeanor and refuse to do any pretrial diversion program if you wanted, I guess.