Shouldn’t it be the default and not require the suspect/subject to actually ask for one? Has there ever been any attempt to make that the norm in any countries? I think the only question should be “do you have your own lawyer you like to use, or are you happy enough with the court-appointed one?”
I’m not even sure opting out should be allowed, but I’m open to hearing reasons why that would be a bad system, or indeed a worse system than the one most countries seem to have now. So many miscarriages of justice could have been easily avoided.
Also, you are not guaranteed a free lawyer. To be appointed a public defender you have to apply for one and prove your income; over a certain amount and you’re expected to hire your own lawyer.
The court can’t deny you access to a lawyer, but they don’t have to give you one if you can afford your own.