, hey wake up. Nobody is arguing against accepting the situation, but we can ask why it is what it is. stop making this about what you'd like it to be, the fact that you feel superior because.you have your situation sorted. that's what it is, isn't it? a kind of gloating over others.
it's not about paying the visa costs. we had to pay those pre-covid as well. it is about the uncertaintly in which we are kept until, quite literally, the very last minute.
then there is the fact that extensions are only given based on embassy letter or medical reasons etc.