Cynicism isn't knowledge. Cynicism isn't an assessment.

Cynicism is an assumption. Cynicism is emotional armor because the thought of caring again and the risk of it not panning out is more painful than not caring at all.

The only rational aspect of cynicism is that it makes you feel better. It isn't relevant about one's actual ability to change the world.

If efforts in the past didn't work to affect political change? Change what you do. Change your tactics. Clearly many groups - including ones with little-to-no-money - can and do succeed to influence policy on a regular basis.

The worst thing you can do is to convince others not to do anything about it. And right after that is to do nothing about it yourself.

Is it all that rational?

If everyone thinks so, then surely yes, but if people realize, that change starts in the small and they can be part of the change, perhaps at some personal cost, but that it might be worth it, then suddenly change is possible.

How have the EFF and the courts worked so far? We do need an EFF, but they're clearly not all that effective. And the courts just won't do anything unless someone does something illegal.