Today, I thought of the Vending Machine

Three points I pondered today while staring at the vending machine:

First: Coke v. Pepsi.
Which should I pick? Truly, I have no preference in terms of taste. I don't like either too much.  It's about the caffeine and my decision to obtain "cold" caffeine rather than "hot" caffeine, the latter also known as a coffee/cafe/chai. So there I am--standing in front of two vending machines nestled in the same corner of the Student Lounge, Snack Bar, wherever. I always hesitate between the two. My hand hovers over the buttons. If no preference in taste, I then resort to aesthetics. The Pepsi machine features square, wide-as-my-palm button selectors. It is my childhood dream of pushing too many elevator buttons that attracts me to the selection before me. The bill acceptor takes the wrinkled dollar easily. The blue coloring of the machine is calming versus the hellish red of the Coca-cola beside it. And yet...
The Coke machine exhibits a slight wave in its frame, and the architect slyly captures a momentary frame of liquid frozen mid-pour. The red color is blinding, and you feel like that mosquito attracted to the light. Buzz.
In the end, the selection is not based on aesthetics or differential taste. It all comes down, as in most things, to economics. I am from Georgia. I am a patriot of that state. Thus, my hand consciously selects the Coke machine. I push the button. Atlanta feels my presence. The Coca-cola dream lives on. I might have created a job with just one touch.

Second, I think I have found the solution to the Penny dilemma
In Season 3 of The West Wing, Rob Lowe (whether accurately or for purely script purposes) pointed out that pennies are the most useless coin in America. I do not know if this is an accurate assessment. I can, however, attest to the fact that, out of all coinage, the penny is most often found and left unbothered on my fridge, the cracks in sidewalks, countertops, and public restrooms. Abe Lincoln deserves more respect. Thus, I propose that vending machines be altered so that they may accept the American penny. This will have several positive effects. First, vending machines will increase the utility of the penny, giving it an actual purpose in our lives.  The vending machine is universal and a common source of nutrition nation-wide. The penny now has a service in being part of the monetary whole with eventual return of nutritional value.  Second, pennies will witness a rise in their social status.  Children will learn to respect each and every penny in our economy since vending machines are vital liquid dispensers in our public school systems.  Third, this proposal promotes cleaner streets, lawns, and wallets by providing a destination for that not-so-copper-made coin that we are constantly find and yet infrequently utilize. 

Third, I faced an ethical dilemma when the Coke machine's change dispenser malfunctioned and has, for the past few days, been unable to digest quarters.  
Basically, any change I put into the machine falls through the dispenser and is re-routed into a small socket (not the change return) completely reachable if I tried. Should I reach in and pocket the change? Leave it resting since I vested any rights to the quarters by feeding them into the vending machine in the first place? What Would You Do?