> They implored me to trust that they had "never sued anyone" and "have no intentions to", and I think they honestly believe that. But then why have the non-compete at all?

I feel like I'm yelling at a brick wall when I make a fuss of this, but this happens every time I see a doctor too. I'm asked to sign forms acknowledging I've read and understood long legal documents that they don't have a copy of to show me.

"It doesn't matter". Well I can't see the doctor without signing it. It only matters if they don't get their way. The same is true of the non-compete: it's because it only benefits them.