How do you deal with an 'on the way out' pet?

I've got a 19 year old cat. Average lifespan is 16, so she has had a good run. There are problems I won't mention and I don't want any pain and suffering like humans have to deal with in order to appease our PC society. Pet euthanasia is a racket around here. I have come to hate the veterinary industry and anyone involved. Last time, I spent well over $2,000 on a wild goose chase. All the money did was make the animal suffer more and fatten some bastard's wallet. I pulled the plug when the 'vet' wanted to keep the cat for 2-weeks in the 'pet hospital' sedated and connected to IVs. And a specialist, a gastroenterologist, was recommended. WTF.

To terminate your pet legally, generally you have to schedule an appt and pay what I think is way too much. And they can deny you at the appt. The first place I called is a 3-week wait. They recommended another place, just under $200 for the euthanasia and another $100 for cremation, and it is walk-in and at least a couple hours spent there. I don't get the ashes back and don't want them anyway, but to get the ashes back is WAY more.

I'm torn and disgusted. I have the money, but something inherent in me rejects this system and way of thinking and doing business. It's illegal here to kill your pet, but I couldn't man up enough to shoot my cat anyway.