The wealthy don't give a shit if we can retire or not.

In the video, they provide an opinion on multiple things you can do instead of just buying a Kobo. Certainly not defeatist.

In the U.S., no. Federal code only requires GFCI in certain areas like kitchens, bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, basement, etc. State and local governments can amend the federal code if they want; a common amendment is to make GFCI only required in unfinished areas of basements instead of the entire basement. Some places may even have more strict codes than the federal code. There are also some electricians that voluntarily only install GFCI breakers (my brother's company does this), but it's not required.

My most expensive book purchases are probably in the $100-$150 range, and those would be various ecology or biology reference books. Maybe something like Lichens of North America