I'm pretty sure you nailed it when you asked "Are the government so desperate to extract every last penny from the general public to help fill their cesspit of endless debt?"
Of course they are! It's quite pathetic that they're stooping this low, I'm sure there are better things to spend their time doing.
It does feel that way, but it's the lack of freedom that concerns me and every year a little more is taken away from us.
I totally agree with you, they are tightening the noose just a little more day by day. I can understand why you say that UrbEx feel so freedom loving, it is the fact that you are in control and aren't having to abide by some power hungry moron looking over your shoulder saying "Don't step on that one, it's rotten"...The government has become the epitome of the helicopter parent!
In the case of the above picture.., I didn't go that way, grabbing the banister as a safety net when it's burnt isn't such a great idea. It will be a while before the full story gets published. It used to be a brothel 😀
Oh my gosh, if that's the case, I don't know that touching anything is a good idea, banister included 🤣
I'll keep an eye out for it, should be a good one!