It is always good...
to default to the privacy side of the argument, when possible. I'm actually no more comfortable with surveillance of non encrypted traffic over closed cable than I am tapping phone lines.
I have unfortunately been used to the idea - If wifi is not encrypted though, all bets are off. The US public has been fighting for open clear communication over the air for years - especially in certain uses and frequencies. Wifi has been argued as a transparent medium - the usual attitude is okay with everyone hearing everyone else - such is in citizen's band. Public oversight is another reason, such as scanners and police monitors. There are always exceptions, of course.
