Tesla's Superchargers (and the Coming Soon map) serve several needs, and it's the conflicts between those needs that gives rise to the heated discussion. But let's not forget a core fact: Superchargers exist as a marketing tool to sell more cars.
On one hand, Superchargers are a sales tool. I've been asked countless times by prospective buyers, "but what about driving long distances?" and "free and fast" is a great answer. For this purpose, the Coming Soon map is essential, as it allows potential buyers to check the box that they will—maybe not today, but soon—be able to drive to visit Grandma or climb their favorite mountain. A critical gap in the map, and the sale might well be lost.
On the other hand, Superchargers have to deliver on that promise, which means installing additional stalls or new stations in areas (like California) where the existing infrastructure isn't enough to meet demand. Failure to keep up can result in negative press that impairs the positive sales function of Superchargers.
I strongly suspect that Tesla is pondering ways to address the infrastructure overcrowding issue by a cheaper solution than building, namely creating some disincentive for locals to charge locally. It's telling that Tesla has shifted description of the Model S and X to include
free long-distance charging. My guess—and hope—is that Tesla will implement a cost to charge under certain circumstances, e.g. Supercharging within 20 miles of your residence. If Supercharging ceases to be free for locals, the anecdotal evidence in this thread suggests that much of the crowding at some sites will disappear. Consequently, Tesla could shift its resources to building out the Supercharger network elsewhere in the world, achieving what Superchargers were meant to do: support sales of new cars.
