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I think this is a variation on what economists call the tragedy of the commons. If you go into a b&m with the express purpose of looking at or demoing a product (I'm talking any product in general not just books) with no intention to buy it there, you are not doing anything illegal or even unethical arguably. You are simply pursuing your own best interest at some real but hard to quantify cost to the store and other buyers and ultimately yourself. If you believe the cost is zero, then simply imagine more and more people doing the same and it is easy to see that it is not sustainable for the b&m store.
A lot of people here think that is just fine and the b&m should just go out of business. I happen to think that will be a shame.
I think eventually what will happen is the amazons of the world will buy out the b&m and use the space as their own showroom. Like what Apple does with their Apple store. Or b&m stores will charge a small entry fee that is deducted when you make a purchase. Because relying on enlightened self interest will not keep you in business.
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