Python, Ruby... You're right, it's not the 1990's anymore. it's the 2000's.
Oh, wait - it's already past 2010 now? So - how about Haskell?
Seriously, what idiot thought this would be a good idea? Punish your customers and give moochers, criminals and cheapskates free and anonymous internet.
Only people who provide the service from their own wifi will be able to use it from others. It's actually an attractive idea. The OP is framing it as a problem only because Comcast is doing it as "opt-out", enabling it remotely without people explicitly giving their permission. I suppose that's true. But in practice, it's not much different than "opt-in". Our local provider is doing it as "opt-in", but almost everyone signs up for it. You get sent to the opt-in screen automatically as part of the installation procedure whenever you put in a new modem. And why not? It costs you essentially nothing, and it's really convenient.
Landline telephone providers are doing this all over world, and pushing it very aggressively. Here's why: landline providers are quickly losing their market share. Mobile providers are eating their lunch. Many young people are not ever signing up for a landline phone anymore, and some people who already have a landline are getting rid of it to save money. Share-alike free wifi service not only gives you convenient wifi access almost wherever you are; it also ties you to your landline. And makes it less attractive to shell out as much money for mobile data plans.
Byte your tongue.