Because optimism without realism is just a recipe for cynicism later on.

Dude. I'm not on my way to cynicism. I'm past it.

If I didn't believe change is possible, then I'd be part of the reason it isn't happening.

Looking for, and pushing in the places it might occur, is how you help it come about.

How is that not realistic? What am I missing?

Does the way you argue, not contribute to maintaining the status quo, even as you agree that it is not desirable?

The problem of systemic gambling won't just fix itself.

Did I say it would?

Advertising and other propaganda creates a great deal of countervailing pressure.

That is a very verbose concession of a point.