[kingsuper20]

It was definitely more hypothesis than question.

There's always the chance that the past is viewed with the optimism of youth of course. There's certainly a difference in social glue in a world where everyone is either self-employed or has a single layer of management above them. Plus, truly local companies are better local citizens (sports teams sponsors, money for charities, build decent and long-lasting buildings).

Dunno what the answer is besides accumulate a financial warchest, live where you like, watch the battle at a distance.