Overheard @: Public option remains reform whipping boy

The public option has become the red-headed stepchild of the health care reform debate. It seems no one -- save the president and his staff -- is in favor of creating a Medicare-esque health plan as an alternative to private insurance.

Employers and brokers all have voiced strong opposition, but the biggest critics seem to be carriers, for obvious reasons.

In a recent report on BenefitNews.com, BCBS President and CEO Scott Serota said, "important reforms are overshadowed by the proposed creation of a government-run health plan that would jeopardize the coverage of the 160 million people who receive their benefits through their employers today.”

And in Wednesday night's White House townhall on health care, Aetna chairman and CEO Ronald Williams told President Obama plainly, "It's hard to compete against a player that's also refereeing the game."

Is the public option really worthy of such ire? As a consumer, I'm thinking that more choice is a good thing, but I know that you pros have a much different take. So comment and let me know: What are your top 3 gripes about the public option?