In general, I find that salons have been urging people toward dip or gel. It seems to be a real inconvenience for them to just do a basic manicure without either of these methods. I don't like the gel for exactly the reasons you stated. It makes you a slave to returning to the salon. I like easy on and easy off. I've noticed that although they will use basic nail polish, it's shit polish. My toenails would last forever before needing a redo. No more! I think it's a tactic to push you to get gel. I just walked away. I'm tired of the BS.