Well, I'll comment about something up to the point where it seems to have become a slapfight.
I think the problem is the initial argument is slightly flawed. The problem isn't independent traders with those examples, it's independent traders who are ignoring RP situations. If records indicate that a Freelancer has recently been at a rival's station, they may not get the deal, for instance. Or if they have a criminal record (smuggling, etc). But there are people who ignore anything of that sort in favor of making money, and that seems to be where the sore point really lies.