Charge for weights... agreed, a little weird. But it's likely many divers in your area (and California in general) have their own weights. So perhaps the pricing recognizes this.
Why not charge for weights? Facility made an investment in lead, which is approaching $5. Per pound. They should be able to
Recoup their expense by charging to rent, and to be able to purchase more for any that goes missing.
I heard you're booking a trip to FP...