Is facial recognition less intrusive, or more convenient? I’d argue the latter.

I agree. Facial recognition is far more intrusive, and far more convenient.

The problem I have with face recognition is what to do about it? Some stores are polite enough to make it obvious, so I know not to shop there, but I can't trust that the other stores aren't also doing it and keeping it quiet.

This has me stumped.

That's surprising to hear. All of the San Francisco Targets recently started closing at 6pm in response to shoplifting.