Only really matters if your only concern is wealth. Some of us want to actually enjoy our lives; not just our retirements.
I don't get this knee-jerk reaction where, if you discuss money, then it immediately must be the only thing you care about. Why can't it just be one element of the equation, along with other usual stuff like weather, food, etc?
We should assume that most of the people that live in Portugal are not stupid or victims. They’re optimizing for something they prefer.
The GP is the one that reduced the choice of living in Portugal to wealth, not me.
The only constant is change, if you can adapt to anything, you're way better prepared than someone who know what they want today and can only have that.
Choosing to optimize for wealth is fine; but foisting that choice on everyone over everything else is silly.
I read your original reply and other replies and I think you're the one conflating the point. Many people prioritize wealth but still enjoy life...like myself. I don't regret anything and am very happy day to day.
I’m not sure how much further I can discuss this? If you’re happy optimizing for wealth, good for you. I’m not sure how that makes anyone short sighted and rigid? Short sighted and rigid for not choosing your optimization? Doesn’t that make you short sighted and rigid? Whatever, do your thing- but please don’t think the people of x country are stupid or whatever because they don’t choose what you do. Come on.