"prevent automation"
Buggy Whip Makers would like a word with you.
While your post has some interesting tidbits, some even worthy, the conclusions are incorrect. You're blaming government intervention while proposing government intervention as a solution.
The more government is involved in economic matters, the more screwed up things get, because that's the nature of regulations. We just need ONE MORE regulation, and that will solve all the problems (and somehow creates additional problems).
Supply Demand curves exist in all markets. Pushing them around artificially is a recipe to inefficiencies.