Fascinating- I have not reviewed that passage in this context for some time.
That many would be ill or perhaps die due to unworthy Communion is interesting indeed.
Some of us are not big fans of “pharmakeia” or the practioners “pharmakyos”.
Yes. I don't think Paul would make such an assertion over a simple wafer, or a simple symbol. There just has to be more to it. Of course, the earliest Christians were unanimous in their belief in the Real Presence. It was only questioned after a thousand years had passed in Church history, and then only rejected by some sects after 3/4 of the history of Christianity had passed.
Of course, all the historic Christian denominations still cling to this belief, rightly so. And it brings more believers home than any other subject.