Perhaps its not just about spending money. A coffee shop is (by some people's ideas) a place for folks to socialize. Those other 'offenders' are socializing, so are compatible with those spaces. Sitting in silence at a machine makes for a boring space, which drives away the other sort of customer.
I'd hate to be kicked out of a shop because I'm reading a book. Or not talking. As you said: maybe it's their right to require socializing, but that doesn't make it a good idea.
It changes the vibe and the mood.
If I come to a cafe with my date or friends, I'll feel more comfortable sitting among people with laptops rather than among noisy teenagers mentioned in the gp comment.
Many folks have a coffee shop because they want the community to meet there. A romantic notion, to be sure.
Its the same value as socializing at any other venue. Or taking it back further, whats the value in socializing at all? Maybe there isn't any value for you. I personally prioritize meeting new people and forming local connections, over virtual long-distance connections. A cafe is a good place to do that, if people are open to the idea. AFAICT people glued to their laptops, aren't.
> I'll feel more comfortable sitting among people with laptops rather than among noisy teenagers mentioned in the gp comment.
Those aren't the only two options.
>I listen to the conversations people have at coffee shops with random people and it's been pointless smalltalk every time so far.
That's how our conversation started too..