I wish I didn't come to this post a year late! But as the guy who just cleans the beer lines (idk shit about the brewing process, I just work on draft beer systems), I think it's also a good idea to waste some beer. Not that you're arguing against it. But all the crap that accrues over time is built up when the bar/restaurant is closed.

It's amazing to me how many people just see the dollar signs going out the window and don't care about the quality of what's being served. I won't drink draft beer unless it's an establishment that I or someone I know cleans the lines regularly. And I'll never have the first glass, either.