I believe that absolute vast majority of telemetry is simply ignored. And I also believe it is very common that there are several individuals in most companies that couldn't care less about what is included in the telemetry.
A lot has changed since the late 90s, it really isn't good argument for telemetry nor forced updates that things were bad then. Things would have been absolutely awful in the late 90s even if you had perfect telemetry and instant updates that somehow didn't even need internet.
I don't see any real arguments for either in your posts.
Regardless of how strongly you feel about telemetry and its perceived "benefits", the choice should always rest in the hands of the individuals using the software first and foremost. Your customers should always be informed of their choice and if they feel like they are willing to participate, they can opt-in.
How would you feel if building architects decided to install a camera in your bathroom in order to analyze how you use your toilet and the shower to assist in improving future constructions?
> Lots of people say they will turn it on, and then never do.
Because most of the time, there is no benefit. The software is already made, and further development is rarely informed by telemetry data. Furthermore, customers are rarely informed exactly what data is being collected - and not given the opportunity or benefit to inspect the contents of any telemetry or crash logs that need to be sent.
> If people understood the kinds of things that are collected, at least the things I collect in the software I write for work
But they don't. And no one takes the time to educate or inform them or give them the choice to opt-in with a detailed disclosure of what is being shared, rather than having to opt-out. As people become more aware of these telemetry practices, you're going to see a wider backlash at the kind of unnecessary data that are being collected. Maybe you're not doing it - but others are.
It's an indication that optional steps which do not immediately benefit the users of the software will not be taken.
The benefits to telemetry are longer-term, and because opting in is not required for the software to function, the vast majority of users simply will not do it. The thought to turn it on will likely not even enter their mind. Why would it? The software works fine.
Opt-in telemetry was tried by just about everyone that collects telemetry today. Lots of people say they will turn it on, and then never do. Telemetry is used to make better software. I'm sure there are companies that use it for [insert activity that any person might perceive as bad] and I would argue that those companies would likely not allow you to opt out.
If people understood the kinds of things that are collected, at least the things I collect in the software I write for work, I can't imagine anyone having a problem with it, but there's a lot of things that people do which make no sense to me at all, so I'm not really in a position to be authoritative.
I do know what happened in the late 1990s and the early 2000s though, and I know those things are a large part of why telemetry and forced updates are things which exist today.