I suspect the writers left this plot hole on purpose. They want you to think about the meaning of it all while alluding that the system uses humans as a source of power.
Try rewatching the movie as a statement on our society and how the system uses human beings or discards them into the sewage when they choose to unplug. As you watch Neo slide out of his pod, think what would happen if you stopped going to work.
When Morpheus shows what the Matrix is for the first time, he shows it on TV! This is how you're plugged into the Matrix. Even now, you're reading this on a screen.
In many ways, the message is not to trust the system, but instead believe in your intuition and in yourself to break free. Just free your mind.
Try rewatching the movie as a statement on our society and how the system uses human beings or discards them into the sewage when they choose to unplug. As you watch Neo slide out of his pod, think what would happen if you stopped going to work.
When Morpheus shows what the Matrix is for the first time, he shows it on TV! This is how you're plugged into the Matrix. Even now, you're reading this on a screen.
In many ways, the message is not to trust the system, but instead believe in your intuition and in yourself to break free. Just free your mind.