"However, if the monetary system collapses, all I am suggesting is that the fundamentally ephemeral value of money is no less ephemeral than gold. Yeah??? Surely?"
Alas, no. Not at all.
You are conflating the monetary system with the economy. The economy is the sum of all transactions conducted for the benefit of both parties. The monetary system (in any western country) is a cartel of banks that tax the public (through inflation) as a means of staying afloat.
If the monetary system collapses - for example, through cascading cross-defaults - much disruption would occur. But people would still want to buy food and, ultimately, carry on business. Under such a scenario people would not trust fiat money.
What is the best alternative to fiat money? Answer that question and you will know what you should be hoarding.
