I wonder how much of this is money and how much is because of time and inconvenience. A spot without any fee is the baseline for a lot of people. A spot with one of those dedicated meters that's at each space and takes it's own card or change is slightly inconvenient, but not too much. Those lots that have a central place to pay that takes a card are less convenient, but not too egregious. Those lots that require you go find the central box just to have it tell you a lot code, and then you have to go back and find the spot number, just so you can got to a website to enter the information (I hope you have a good memory, or took some pictures) and pay online are the bane of my existence, and I will happily drive around looking for any other option for a minute or two (FWIW, in my minivan most often, but I don't know how much of your perception is BMW assisted ;) ).
On the other hand, if you could just have it auto-deduct from the same account that pays tolls on the bridges in the bay area through license plate recognition with a similar level of "you park and walk away" automation, I think most people would happily just deal with it because of the convenience.
These lots are attended; you get a ticket when you enter and you can pay cash or credit from your car when you leave
I live in SoCal and see BMW 7 series diving around looking for street parking to save the $1.50/hr parking charge.
I can't imagine what would happen to sla politician who would suggest putting in parking meters!