Australia has different rules. In the US at least, the PIN is not required for small purchases.
It's interesting you mention Australia because they've taken a different approach to the fee issue. They regulated it away. Cards cost merchants very little. Didn't need bitcoin to do it, just passed a law.
Also interesting: it did not result in a lowering of consumer prices. The merchants kept the windfall.
Also in Australia I've not seen swipe without PIN used very much - a swipe usually requires a pin, whereas tap does not (and is also a lot faster).