Just noticed the new $19.95 transaction/technology fee Proseries charges for RTs. Could someone explain what this is?

Someone noticed a while ago:

https://accountants-community.intuit.com/questions/1782368-dear-proconnect-please-explain-the-techno...

I'm surprised this is the first year you're seeing this fee. The "Transmitter" also gets a kick back from the Bank Product provider at the end of the season for all funded returns. The transmitter fee has been around forever.

Give your client choices:

1. Pay the fee which includes extra protections shown in the wonderful brochure you will hand them https://proconnect.intuit.com/content/dam/intuit/pro_tax_group/en_us/docs/PBR-ID-protection.pdf
2. Pay me now and there is no extra fee Give them an idea of how long refunds SHOULD take https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/news/12370552/2018-irs-income-tax-refund-chart-when-will-i-get-my...
3. Send them to a VITA office and get the return done for FREE https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-you-by-volunteers
4. Direct them to the FREE IRS site https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

Personally I would not try to "Explain" this fee. Add on another 10 or 20 dollars to it and offer the service. Everything you do with the client is negotiable, everything except kindness and concern for them as a person. Provide a great deal of that and you will get generations of clients. 

I'm confused as to why anyone even needs this feature.  I can be paid by cash, check, credit card, e-check through Intuit Payment Systems, e-check through the customer's bank and Zelle (Venmo for business was too expensive), and even chocolate chip cookies.  In 41 years I've had one deadbeat client.  So why would I need to spend any money for this RT service.  Is there a benefit to it I'm not aware of?