I know; sorry I didn't write more clearly. I meant that them calling you "idiot" and you calling them "paranoid" is roughly equivalent.
Hmmm ... that's not what I see above.
Generally I can understand frustration with any issue getting too much attention and drowning out others.
> it's my choice to decide to allow Google or Apple, for example, to get my data.
It's not your choice really. It's hard to function in this society otherwise, and I don't just mean having phone service or traveling. For example, my electricity vendor insisted on installing a 'smart meter', which allows them to record what and when electrical devices are used, giving them a good view of my activities in the privacy of my home. My choice was to let them install it, get my own generator, or go without electricity.
I don't see much difference between calling someone an "idiot", and calling them "paranoid" and dismissing their concerns to an FAQ.
> Our time is probably better spent discussing the value of the product itself.
Confidentiality has a large impact on the product's value, at least for many people. I don't see them as independent issues. If you feel, like many, that confidentiality is necessary to its value then the focus of the discussion makes sense (if it wasn't so redundant).