Great article. I agree about the description of the end state and the preparations necessary.
I would argue though, that gold is still an excellent investment under these conditions.
The reason is that the end-state description does not determine how we get from here to there. I believe that one of the intermediate steps will be massive monetarization by the Fed. Even more massive than we have already had. It is the only way to “pay” the derivative debts and keep the financial system from total implosion.
Of course, the results will be like an Argentinian inflation, (which took about 18 months to become the full bore hyperinflation).
And, gold will do very, very well. Better than anything else.
If I am right (always unknown for the future), it will be possible to buy food, land, water purification, and ammo before the total collapse.
I would argue that barter items may actual be worth more, tobacco, alcohol, ammo, medicine, etc and be easier to sell and change into what you want than gold.