> However, beyond "average" health there is also the species health to be considered - we
> are more successful now than at any point in the past.

How do you define "success" and who are "we"!? Also, the "average" never tells the whole story...

> As you rightly point out, advantages are concentrated in a minority of individuals -

This is because the average only tries to bring down the higher achievers...

> therefore it isn't surprising that a secondary population exists that "parasitises" it.

Of course, that is essence of social degeneration...

> I also agree that the system isn't stable. However, natural selection is not about
> stability and optimumisation, it is simply the most useful response (physically or
> behaviourally) to the then current conditions.

I fully agree, but I would probably prefer the word "practical" instead of "useful"...

Survival of the species does not require the survival of a society or civilization per say. The Historical evidence clearly shows that the human species has survived but that prior civilizations have not . Why people cannot see that clear evidence is beyond me!!!

> If that resposne results in population crashes or even extinction that, too, is
> natural selection.

Of course...

> Hopefully, for once, we might use our brains and avoid the consequences. Based on
> past record though.

So you have "hope"! So does that mean that you have "faith" and "caring" also!? Those are three critical concepts...like where does your "hope" come from when the evidence is very clear that all prior civilizations have become extinct?

From your believes, from your religion!?

What makes you think that today's History (and results) will be any different from the past!? The "evidence" does not show it!!!

-wirelessguru1