I have not really bought any bitcoin in a while, i have been mostly trading this last year. but i have been trying to buy today from localbitcoins and bittylicious and it has been a real challenge. they want photos of me holding cards on localbitcoins and on bitty they need about 4 different forms of id, what is going on.
this is seriously restrictive to anyone wanting to get into bitcoin, like its meant to be pseudonymous but if the gate ways into bitcoin dont allow that people will be put off.

That's so restrictive. Did you try to use online wallet? Some online wallets sells bitcoin with their customer and you don't need those requirements. In our country we use coins.ph wallet and you can buy bitcoin from there and its hassle free and after you buy can transfer it in any trading sites.