I must admit that I have not yet read the article.
In upstate NY, the motorcycle season runs from mid May through Mid October. We get our share of bikes in the bays, but they spend more time detailing and drying off their machines, then they do dropping
coins in the SS box.
As far as a lift is concerned, I would be concerned about any liability associated with a bike falling off on it's owner or someone else, while at my wash location. Sounds like a legal nightmare!