[tomhoward]

I worry that all the replies to my comment will be claims about what percentage of the smartest and most productive people will want to move to the US in practice, thereby avoiding debating the central point.

The first reply asserted that my comment was based on a “ridiculous premise” without addressing the principle.

[elisharobinson]

we are talking about a pure <hypothetical> scenario which is not related to present day reality . If we are talking about reality "skill" is rarely the deciding factor when individuals decide to migrate. it is about risk tolerance you are taking a huge risk by moving to a different country / culture / social circle the ROIC is not always clear. Its not for everyone ( was my point ). Hypothetically if the success of country is based on how many risk takers ( and not skill ) are there then sure your argument makes sense.