Participating in a market is work, the only way a market (or life in general) works is if you hold your counterparties accountable.

> I don't want a "free market" solution where I need to switch providers every 6 months because some rich dude is being a dick.

Nature does not have a mandate that good quality services and products be available at low prices at all times. The rich dude being a “dick” was a tired vet owner who wanted to sell their equity, just like anyone else who sells their SP500 shares or their house.

The only thing that can be done is encourage government policies to ensure more sellers exist.