“Power trip”? No, it’s to prevent all the stuff you’ve picked up schlepping all over town – and Og only knows where else you’ve been – from being tracked all over the house.
“Japan perhaps”? How about: everyone I know, right here in North America. Applies double for those with well-maintained hardwood floors that could get scratched by hard soles.
Locations and culture vary. I am also in North America and I have never been in someone’s home where they required shoes off.
IIRC you are in Canada? It seems to be more common there from what I’ve read. Never ever seen it in the homes I’ve been in in New York or California.
I would never take my socks off on a flight. No problem removing the rest of my clothes, but I draw the line at socks.
I respect that.
If I’m on a plane, and the person next to me starts singing “You Can Leave Your Hat On”, Imma switching seats.