I'll only wear a lid when forced to by the law man. =) I cross a state line into AZ or TX or wherevery that doesn't require it, the lid comes off. And not so the wind can blow through my Fabio-like hair - I'm bald. :P
You are right - there are way to many examples of government over-stepping bounds with presumably good intentions. What's funny is that everytime somebody famous is in a motorcycle accident and was not wearing the lid, every fucker in the peanut gallery that has not bothered to research the issue has an opinion. And, as usual with the peanut gallery, few of those opinions are informed.
Seatbelts - demonstrably proven to save lifes. Helmets - not the case.
Moose
