While I agree with the idea we are in deep do do with the economy. I think the OP is a little tinfoil in nature.
Take this for instance:
“You could go to a fine restaurant and have an expensive dinner and order an expensive bottle of wine. The next morning that empty bottle of wine is worth more as scrap glass than it had been the night before filled with expensive wine”
I don’t really think anything like this happened. The whole economy would only last a couple of days at that rate. Who would be going to a fine restaurant one night with an economic crisis so bad that the glass from an “expensive bottle of wine” they had that night was worth more than the entire product the night before. Seriously, what did the economic crisis just pop up with no warning while they were on the way to the restaurant? I realize this is an example but I think its a gross exageration. In reality it would be impossible for this to happen. Hyperinflation happens but not that fast.
However, I once read the following from what I consider to be a reputable source: Banks eventually closed out old savings accounts, with checks for what had formerly been substantial amounts, where the stamp on the envelope was more than the check.
I hate to burst your bubble but things happened worse than that. Many of my relatives lived in Germany during that time and have related the situation in great detail in letters which we still have.
“Hyperinflation happens but not that fast.”
Zimbabwe’s prices were doubling each day at the end. You were paid twice a day so you could immediately go buy whatever you could find or afford before your currency devalued any more.
Yes, it happened. And worse. There isn’t any warning by the authorities. “Yes, tomorrow your bank deposits will be worth nothing.” Doesn’t work that way. “We are well capitalized” is the song, till it’s over.
“It was horrible.. horrible! Like lightning it struck..”