> wasting their time producing nothing much of a value.

they lived. that is not nil. it enriched their lives.

But, eh, I wouldn't say they lived and thrived there.

Some other people have done the very far out life. Here's one: https://hellscanyon.tours/2022/08/15/all-about-buckskin-bill... is one example.

I think its very feasible.... for people who know what they are doing. This probably requires basically an apprenticeship.