I hear ya. We're grandfathered into what is today a stoopid good TMobile family plan from 15+ years ago that costs less than a new, less "deluxe" plan.
Unfortunately, multi tiered authentications are more and more the norm, and I get it, but...I dunno. Convenience comes at a cost, and consumers don't get to vet the price.
I think it's stupid that you can't buy a ticket without a phone. Just plain stupid.