I agree that curbside parking is stupid. But Philadelphians refuse to allow new parking garages to be built. Curbside parking is often the only parking that is available, and any attempts to make other parking become rallying cries in political campaigns thanks to NIMBYism.
I see your point. An example in my city is free or exceptionally cheap parking for neighborhood residents only - even though we all pay the same taxes. This is one situation where regulation and a 'loud minority' appears to be less equitable than a free market.
On the bright side, I hear your weather is pretty good.
In terms of waste - if we did the math, I'm pretty sure we would find curbside parking a very poor use of real estate in high rent areas.