But don't you think the mere fact they are out there and calling attention to something that is, quite frankly, pissing most Americans off, is in itself asking for something? The NY unions just added their full support and while that may be reactionary and not based on idealism, it prompted action and garnered more media attention. I agree with all your points but want to add one little nugget...the Credit Unions are pretty good and even though I'm no longer an educator, I still get an awesome rate for my savings account.
It's hard to fix "something." There's a lot that needs to be fixed, but as long as the public can't articulate what it wants, nothing will change.
Even if the public articulates its wants, we have to depend on our oh-so-reliable elected officials to write, pass, and enact legislation.