That nostalgia probably comes from the paper pass being a souvenir of the trip itself. The app is just a tool you use and forget about. I still have my old passes in a drawer and each one brings back memories of the trip. The digital pass leaves nothing behind, which is why it feels a bit empty even when it works better. I started keeping a small travel journal with the route and dates so I still have something to hold onto.

Check the seals and the gasket first before you blame the machine. Those little foam strips wear out fast when you're running it daily, and a $10 replacement kit fixes most suction problems. Run a test seal on a paper towel with a drop of water, if it pulls tight you're fine.

Feel bad for the guy getting chewed out over a basic battery check, @susan_wells makes a good point that he should've just asked if he was confused. Hope he cools off once he sees the actual report.