The German rules make far more sense dude.
No it doesn't. Non-competes limit your ability to make a living. People are more important than corporations.
In some instances a non-compete DOES make sense, and it should be an option..
I notice you didn't name any instances.
but it shouldn't be used to handcuff someone to a company.
You are right, but they are used for that..
A company should keep its employees by paying well, and by making it a good place to work. If the only way you can keep employees is by making them sign non-competes, then your company is a lousy company to begin with, and the world would be made better by having someone compete with it.