The problem, Robert, is that we don't have gods deciding what the "greater good" is. We have human beings deciding it. And guess what: They're no more omniscient or incorruptible than anyone else.

I don't support free markets just because it creates greater wealth and and well-being than collectivist systems. I support it because it's based on human freedom. Also, as a decentralized system it's a lot more robust and adaptable than the alternatives. When decisions are made only at the upper levels, stupid ones hurt everybody. Imagine Enron if it was the ONLY energy company in America.

"For the greater good" is a phrase that gives me a lot of apprehension, because in almost every case, it's being used as a justification for doing something rotten to those who aren't the "greater good."

The evidence on collectivism versus individualism, of which the economic systems are an effect, not a cause, has been self-evident for a century, now. Ignore it, or pretend that the history of the Western World is "snake oil" if you want. Incidentally, "unrestrained" is a straw man. I've never advocated a complete lack of laws or reasonable regulations.