Re: *sigh*
I'm not sure why I'm not making myself clear.
Apparently the theory seems to be that the people on unemployment for two (or now three) years are totally unable to find any work at all that makes them at least as much money as they are getting from those checks. Which, as you point out, is not a hell of a lot of money, less than minimum wage in some places. Which, logically, should mean that all but the most miserable entry-level job would pay more.
I find that theory a bit implausible. I guess I'm the only one who does.