> Gold and silver sure as hell did, and that's what I was referring to

No, they didn't. I was referring to gold and silver being used as tradeable goods, not as currency. There's a difference.

Bertrand Russell wrote an essay on getting rid of the gold standard called "The Modern Midas". You'll find it in the collection "In Praise of Idleness". You might find it interesting. In fact, you might find the whole collection interesting, though I doubt you'd agree with any of them.

> Surely you understand that other people very much would, even if you personally wouldn't?

Oh, please. How many people would give up a job to live on $30 a week? You can live on welfare better than that. Would you give up your job for that? Do you know anyone who would?