Yeah, this makes a lot of sense. It is worth noting that this type of transition would cause a lot of economic pain in the beginning stages at least, but (while you may think it's ironic) your closing metaphor does hold with a long enough time preference. I'd be a bit weary of private charity associations returning given the mindsets of many people I've come across in my personal life, but the Bitcoin community is one that gives me hope that there are still good people out there who want to make change for the better (and yes, I know that must sound about as cliche as it gets). Thanks for your response as it has helped clear up my thoughts.