The answer is clear: look at Galveston. They got out while the getting was good (before the loophole they used was closed), opting out of SS. Took the money and had managers make extremely conservative (safe, low risk, relatively low yield) investments.
Bottom line: the average recipient is getting about TEN times what the average SS recipient is. You won't see that story on the evening news.
I'm so glad you brought up Galvaston, SpinyNorman! That is the example we have to demand that Congress allow us all.
Ten times the normal Social Security payout!!!! That is really something!