but I'm sure we can compile a list of hardship cases and the work they did during.

I concede the increasing need for a certain 'efficiency' (a very Large word with a family of meanings) especially if population is to be allowed to rise perpetually.
But if we rely upon our habitual religio-warz to continue to cull the youngest.. Never Mind about illusions called 'planning'.

Every day is a new 'stage' - a Chance to review and decide what effects that homogenization (which follows inescapably with density) - is having upon the daily possibilities for individuals, within the 'efficiently' herded groups.

I do not believe that any such concept of 'stages / regular review' has reached public awareness, let alone concern. But you can coast only so far upon the arbitrary abstractions of Econ theories, ancient or du jour, with all those freighted assumptions about 'wealth'. Numbers depicting real Life? - now that requires a particularly insouciant brand of faith.

Econ assuredly has its indispensable place in "analysis; then ___; leading to planning" but that ___ connotes regular ENGLISH DISCUSSION: well beyond the Numerology fetish that reduces all human matters to spreadsheets. Too many believe such numbers are 'Real'.

I think we shall be finding out about the limits of recent numerology, as Murica attempts to undo much of the Chimp's wreckage; simultaneously begins to face the physics problems of the thermodynamics of a space ship. Can't not-face physics.. for long.

Big Mistake, that. IMO Philosophy is not optional, even amongst mindless consumers - though it cannot trump physics laws (either.)

Hardship? we ain't seen nuttin yet.