Analysis of economic and productivity losses caused by cookie banners in Europe

Am I literally the only person who this doesn't bother? When I go to a site I click all the xs and buttons until I can see content, without any conscious engagement at all really.

Sometimes when you go for a walk in the country there are stiles or gates to climb over and that is also fine.

I feel like there's some kind of implied belief here that all interactions with the world should be perfectly frictionless which I think may be more of a niche view than is realised?

No. Same here and I agree with you. I think websites having to disclose what third party cookies they save is worth the small inconvenience. And if they maliciously comply, that hopefully leads to further regulations.