"Why does Igloo even bother putting the cheezy latches on their coolers?"
I have your answer....a smooth $8.99 at West Marine (asan example) for a lid snap.This for a piece of plastic that can be made in China, shipped to the US, wharehoused and retailed for an investment of about ninety five cents.....MAX!! They are making a killing on replacement parts!!!!!
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...classNum=50467