Yes, Freeloading is a known phenomenon, now thankfully rare. Some people will go to great lengths because it’s “free”. Many chargers were permanently blocked by taxi firms who also hassled anyone using “their” chargers. My area moved to payment a year ago and recently increased cost to 41p/kw
I think paying slightly over the domestic rate is fair, there is the cost of the charger, the lost revenue from the parking space given up and the maintenance on the equipment to consider. 40p a unit is still a fair way below fossil fuel costs & shouldn’t put people off getting an EV if they can’t charge at home.
There is a learning curve with EV’s, so I can understand if they are not for everyone, but its not rocket science, more common sense.
In life, it's not who you know that's important, it's how your wife found out.