They could use one of those corten type steel alloys that develop a protective rust patina so it looks hideously rusty, but isn’t actually losing strength.
I also believe things that are free to copy and distribute should be free, but public institutions have to work within the legal framework we have and a digital library analogue is a perfectly adequate and painless work-around. Besides, you can typically check things out for weeks at a time, so it’s not like you’ll be pressured to watch it fast.
I made the mistake of purchasing a movie advertised as 4k on YouTube once. They wouldn’t let me view it higher than 480p on my PC. They also had the audacity to claim it was because too many people were streaming during COVID. Never ever again.
No, apparently Overdrive offers digital delivery of movies now as well as books. I haven’t tried it yet, though, but they have been great for checking out library books on my phone.
Trying to plug a DP cable in there with a hammer is about the only real explanation I can think of for this kind of damage. I’ve seen and repaired some gnarly receptacle damage before but never anything that deformed the metal and surrounding plastic like this.