[decimalenough]

This is not a novel observation, eg Kapuscinski's "In the Shadow of the Sun" describes the same phenomenon: it's very difficult to get ahead because anything above bare subsistence is immediately siphoned off by your kin.

[marcus_holmes]

The flip side is that it's very difficult to fall too far behind as well. Your kin have an obligation to support you, too.

[dchftcs]

Your pack falls behind, and has nothing to eat during food supply shocks like the one that's almost certainly coming.

[ted_bunny]

Fewer homeless, I bet.