Thank you to all who replied in this thread...

...you guys gave me much to think about, and I would welcome anyone else who may choose to reply and offer me their insights on this topic. The thread certainly isn't closed by any means. I figure there is no group of people who would be more thoughtful on this subject than you guys. I have a lot of thinking to do on this, and in a few days or thereabouts (to give more people a chance to respond and offer their insights if any are so inclined) I will make a post at the top of the board where I will state what conclusions I have drawn. I listened to what everyone here had to say, as well as to both Mr. Crab and LGsinmyheart, whose differing views on this subject resulted in my starting this thread in the first place.