I don’t agree at all. I’m not into going into detailed research on every tiny item I buy.
But you DO get big points for calling “hippies” an ad hominem. :)
Me neither and you can never get perfect information. That's why mavens do the work for you.
Have you ever picked up a copy of a cookbook? The people who compile cookbooks are a type of maven.
These mavens love cooking - some like Japanese cooking, others Ethiopian or American or some just desserts, etc.
Have you watched America's Test Kitchen? They are mavens and they test not only the best recipes, but the best products. They are not government, but their accuracy and truthfulness lead the way.
We've been programmed to believe that government regulation is fair, thoughtful and beyond reproach, yet reality proves otherwise. Better liberty than regulation (or at least very little - like fraud and torts, etc.).
We don't need government regulating every last thing. They cannot do it well and cheaters will find a way around regulation - look at the banking industry.