George, please take this as it is meant...when you become a legal and licensed contractor with employees, and jump through the hoops that the state and local government agencies make you jump through, then we can talk.
But what should I apologize for?
Should I apologize that someone does work illegally and cuts the throats of the legal contractors in his area?
Should I apologize that guys that moonlight tend to make themselves have to work more and work harder, because their bosses (who pay their freight, btw) have to compete on some level with an unrealistically low price expectation, created by the moonlighters. (i.e. the legitimate company has a harder time charging enough money to pay a better rate, so the employee (moonlighter) can work less hours and have a better standard of living)?
Should I apologize because a government employee, who is entrusted with looking out for the best interests of the legal and licensed electrical contractors in his area, advocates running an illegal business?
Should I apologize because most legal and licensed contractors understand that moonlighting hurts the industry?
Should I apologize because an inspector who is out of touch with todays costs is seen as someone of authority and knowledge by the general public. And this could lead to problems for a legitimate contractor, who prices according to his real costs, with the customer who thinks he got ripped off, because the inspector said it should only cost $x? (BTW - never happened to me personally, but has happened to fellow contractors in my area)
Should I apologize because I am not as politically correct as some others in expressing my opinion on the subject that most directly affects me? Pricing.
Should I apologize because I am voicing a concern that every legal and licensed contractor (no matter what trade) who follows the laws, rules and regulations set forth by the bodies that govern their trade, should and probably does feel?
You may think it's melodramatic. You may think it's over the top.
I think when you have a business (licensed and legal) and you have expenses like insurance, payroll, benefits, advertising, trucks, rent, etc. you will feel very differently.
But just do not expect an apology.
edited to add: There is another topic on this board regarding moonlighting. What's the consenus there? That's not even regarding inspectors.