Dear Tim,
I absolutely agree with your vision about the ab-use of wireless devices. Being on holiday I would not even think about it to use one, unless of course for obvious reasons such as emergency calls.
The reason however that I advertise for wireless connections is simply the fact that the communication infra structure of Crete would benefit from it. Taken into consideration that, even in the smallest villages, there is at least one telephone line installed then it might as well be used for broadband connections.
Coupling a wireless router to it could simply change the phone connection into a possibility to widen peoples horizon. And again; if they want to . It's got something to do with offering choices.
I was born in 1943 and after the war had ended, and had grown up a bit, my father and grandfather often told me about the thrillingly moments when they listened to the BBC on their "wireless". But the radios in those days were not wireless as you know. So in order to be able to listen they had installed an antenna, on the roof of the house consisting of 50 mtr. of copper wire, and listened in their submerge area which was 9 times out of 10 a small hole underneath floor. (Listening to the radio was forbidden by the Nazis and all wirelesse's had to be handed in. These underground people were called "
submergers", something that is not known in the UK for the Nazis never succeeded to cross the Channel. They had forgotten to invest into seaworthy assault vessels.

People also submerged when the Nazis did their usual
raids to pick up labourers for their Fatherland.
It's from those stories that I learned how important it is that people are able to get "free" information about matters that are of importance to them. Take e.g. this "hype" about the Timbaki container harbour. Thanks to the Internet it has been brought to the attention of a wider public, last but not least' I have even been told, to the people in the area concerned. If you would come to the conclusion that Internet has taken over the short wave transmitters, I agree with you. After all you can also attach pictures that can even affect the message.
The conclusion could be that information by what means whatsoever must be possible and free or at least as cheap as possible. Internet and wireless connections are the future of communication also because of the fact that "disasters" and other "human interest" appear on your screen the moment it happens. So far the "useful use" . The "unneedful use" like forums, youtube and other mind changing futility's are great for sleepless nights. Aren't they?
I will again end with your observation, with which I agree 150%, that needing all this on a holiday in Crete is superfluous entertainment since Crete is a lady that offers a lot to invest. With one exception; writing a letter home, if necessary, could come in handy.
But the main reason I started this topic is because next year I hope to relocate to Crete and since I need my PC on a daily base, staying connected to the Internet for about 24 hrs. daily, I need all the info and possibilities I can get about staying connected. With the side effect that maybe there are even some forum members who appreciate it.
True is that adage: "He who yields to rule by wooden heads, becomes himself a fool."