Agree. But what is the “otherwise” part you’re taking about?

What other commenters have said: you’re not as good as the professional.

As good as in what? Lifting items over the scanner fast? Because yeah, I am. I go shopping there 2-3 times a week, I know where the bar-code is on all the items I regularly buy, I can scan them just as fast as any professional, probably faster. Some of them are old ladies … And not sure what other quality other than speed there is to scanning your items.

You and some other commenters are super special. Better than the average.

I really don’t see what’s so special about it.

There is nothing special about it, that’s the point. But for some people, it can be important. What if you have a visual or physical disability? An intellectual issue? Etc.

I’m in no way suggesting that traditional checkout should be abolished.