> What's your solution to the chainification of the neighborhoods?
I would _love_ to be mistaken on this, but IIRC isn't it the case that -- on the whole -- service sector chains compensate their employees better than independent service sector enterprises? Charm and variety are important, sure, but ultimately I have to say I'd prefer a Starbucks in my neighborhood over an independent place if Starbucks pays its employees better wages and offers better benefits.
-WD