Yes it does make their job easier and I respect your opinion....but that wasn't my only reason. I was also saying they have seen and heard so many different situations that make things difficult to get the authorization or a reissued passport. And it makes it easier on you the traveler. My opinion is if you can afford to cruise every year, you can spend the 20 bucks a year for 10 years to get the passport. It's just like insurance, you can choose to spend some money for peace of mind or not. For both, you don't need it, until you need it.....