Now the ugly reality.
Most people cannot and will not move to middle of nowhere as their are no jobs, and making a 30 mile round trip to a store, gas etc, is not going to happen. Fact is if SHTF, no one will be able to receive their retirement checks or anything else...When ya can’t even pay your property taxes, buy medications, feed your animals, or have electricity to pump water...Well... you get the picture. At that point, it won’t matter where ya live.
I am not most people. What most people do is most peoples’ business. Each individual makes their choices. I strongly disagree that “it won’t matter where you live”. Where you live and how you live are the most important factors in surviving Hard Times.
Lessening or eliminating dependence on checks arriving in the mail is vital.
One example - you mentioned electricity to pump water. I have a well, got a solar well pump not long ago, have 1 solar panel but need one more, already have about 3000 gallons of holding tanks for water, which I already use, I pump water from the well now and then as needed.
So I am much better situated than anyone who uses their electric run well pump to fill a 30 or 60 gallon pressure tank many times a day. What to speak of people who depend on municipal water.
I don’t understand why you are saying nothing anyone does makes any difference. Doesn’t make sense!