I agree that the ones behind the levers know history and know how to manipulate the controls of government machines to achieve their goal.
However, I think inflation (eventually hyper inflation) is primarily the natural outcome of all attempts at utilization of fiat currency.
The one advantage the world might have today from previous societies, thanks to the internet, is the ability to rapidly combined and spread knowledge. Using this technology, this time around, we may actually be able to overcome our inept governments and those who wish to run the world.
Below is a story on ZH as an example of a partial answer to some of the above. Some States are passing legislation to allow the use of gold. All States need to make preparations for the possible collapse of the US dollar, IMO.
Demand For Gold "CombiBars" Soaring
What you have described is likely true and is the result of change on the horizon. The Combibar is super cool. It is a modern version of the small gold trinkets worn by Jewish and eastern women for centuries.
I personally believe there will never be a reversion to physical gold as a medium of exchange. There will be a new concept of some sort of gold/silver backed electronic ledger. Your plastic will actually trade the micro amounts of the heavily inflated gold within a bank with the zap of electrons.
I have read this book several times and it is a really great reference on the subject of gold, silver and national conomic difficulties
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_17?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the%20power%20of%20gold%20the%20history%20of%20an%20obsession