Hmm. Some thoughts/observations as a (at least) weekly park visitor.
- I don't see tons of ride line-cutting. I definitely do see it, as I also see people cheating the FP line (especially now that they've removed so many of the 2nd scan points), but it seems a bit much to claim that there isn't "anyone" who makes their kids wait in line. It's the exception, not the rule.
- The vast majority of the time, I'm with my daughter (now 5) alone, so we wait together for everything by default - rides, shows, parades, food, characters... I definitely think it's good for her to wait, and I actually credit
Disneyland with helping her cultivate patience, especially when she was younger. Of course, this also took/takes some effort on my part, as we tell stories, play "I Spy," do stuff like name all of the green things we can see, rhyme as many words as we can, etc... but overall, I think she has created a lot of "waiting coping techniques" because of the frequency with which she waits at Disneyland.
- If my husband is with us, though, he'll often go and do something with her while I save our parade spots (I've actually never understood the parade-spot-saving hate). Also, sometimes, say, we're in a meet and greet line over by the Fire Station, so he'll take her to climb around on the fire truck for awhile while we wait, or maybe he'll go grab popcorn while she and I are in the character line. There's no "pushing to get in front of people to join us" involved, and even in terms of a meet and greet, we're one party taking photos either way, so I don't see this as rude or negatively impacting others.
- We wouldn't ever split up for a ride line, though, or a meet and greet with switchbacks or whatever, since that DOES involve "pushing to get in front of other people," which is a whole different kettle of fish IMO.
I think people waste a lot of anger and energy on things they can't change or control. Is it frustrating that people act entitled? Sure. But I can't change it, so I'd rather Elsa it than get all fired up about it, personally.