While common sense is a good thing, it is not always accurate or complete. For example, your argument may have more traction at one level of income than at another. Specifically, I refer to income/spending elasticty patterns. Interesting how you only require research for those conclusions you don't intuitively support. I trust your trading is more pragmatic.
I'd agree anyone making $500K is doing okay ... unless they bought a $2 million house at the top of the market. But that would be their own consequence to deal with. My $1 million to $2 million was an attempt to only target those who certainly are not facing any hardships. I suppose someone could make $500K and have 3 or 4 kids in college and live in NY or CA where cost of living is higher.
What you two are getting at, imho, is the marginal utility concept. $10 is more useful to the guy with only $100 than it is to the guy with $1 million. Before anyone jumps me by saying that it's necessary for certain projects that large amounts of capital be assembled, I agree. I just don't believe they necessarily have to be owned by one person.
Putzamo, do you think you could find an emoticon that shoots itself? If so, please be sure to put it in a room with all of your other emoticons first.
Before you do that Petsamo, could you send me a copy of your "Canadian, please mind you're own business" emoticon? TIA