While I agree that a ‘few hours’ is a bit excessive, the coffee shops I go to are delighted to have people in their space. Most laptoppers are there in the off hours, and often meet people there, introducing new potential customers.

Before coffee shops were a thing, we had diners. They encouraged coffee drinkers to sit between meal times, but most of us were aware of when it was time to leave. Also, the bulk of a coffee shop’s business is pickup and drive thru. When I’m there, t'he baristas seem to enjoy interaction with the regulars.

As someone who is not a regular at any coffee shop, but do have meetings there occasionally, my biggest gripe is when people decide to meet there and then don’t buy a something. It most definitely should not be a free space.