Outstanding thread and really good comments and observations.
Concerning PMs, I have had people come to a similar conclusion like WB last post.
And others absolutely demand that gold will be everything, and I will sell my whole farm for one or two of their coins. When I tell them, no, one or two of your coins buys a dozen eggs, they totally lose it! Start calling me names etc.
But they are also coming into the conversation with their own assumptions. Like during/post SHTF despite everything that is going on, they will be well fed, fit, and unscathed.
I dont think that is reality.