I’ve long ago considered the EROI as not only a key indicator, but far superior to any other measure.
At the end of the day, you can’t eat gold or do anything else with it other than show off.
Gold is superficial.
Energy is life.
The numbers you use are intriguing and I’d like to know your source.
The history change for oil EROI is discussed here
This article claims a minimum of 6:1 EROI is necessary for a modern civilization. As petroleum slides below this point, the attempts at biofuels as a replacement don't even come close. We have a big problem ahead.
I agree that you can't eat gold, but you certainly shouldn't leave the life energy you have accrued in fiat money printed by a failing government. Gold and PMs are a stable storage while waiting for a more suitable, stable medium of exchange to evolve.