> That's what they said about patents, and so far it just means players with more money buy up more patents.

That's a bit of a strawman argument.

> ...Coca-Cola and Google spend huge amounts on advertising just to make people feel okay with the amount of control they have over everything.

I agree - some reform is necessary. The current system often exacerbates the imbalance, but completely dismissing advertising ignores its potential role in leveling the playing field for smaller players when done responsibly.

Sometimes the man really is made out of straw.