[giantg2]

Yeah, most novels or movies use ideal characters, or story lines where they have just what they need to get something done. Otherwise the story would end partway through.

Yeah, not necessarily that specific list. The list could really be anything. If the items on it are not mainstream, then there's really no reward to them. People aren't expected to be self sufficient, rather they are expected to buy things and hire people, or otherwise participate in the consumerist economy.