You bring up some interesting points. However, there two that I'd like to rebut just a bit. I'm not sure I'm sold on the NRST either, but as it was explained to me by CHIEF Negotiator (God rest his soul), the fact that businesses would no longer bear the huge financial burden currently imposed upon them by implementation of our current tax code would allow them to cut prices. Not saying they will automatically, mind you, but they can.......and the market has an uncanny way of evening itself out. One cuts prices.......their competitors follow. These price cuts could largely offset.......if not eventually completely offset.........the price increases on goods sold due to the NRST. "Things" simply cost less to produce due to the greatly reduced overhead / cost of doing business.
Additionally, consumers would DEFINITELY know the Federal sales tax rate......and it would be in front of their faces at all times......every time they spend money. This is a great way to drive home the reality of the cost of government, and woe to the legislator that tries to raise that tax rate, for every consumer in the country would immediately see it and HOWL.
Good points. As happens all the time, when someone can do a quality job or provide a quality service or innovation for less, the rest either adapt or lose market share. The cost to business and then the end consumer is deeply embedded.