Not critical at all. I appreciate the response.

I agree with most everything you say, especially that the housing issue is beyond all of us and not being addressed even close to appropriately in the public or private sectors. It's embarrassing.

I am speaking from the perspective of people with choice in the matter. So paying off a mortgage or, as I hope to do one day, paying cash for a small apartment where I can afford one. Until then, the aim is keep things as low as they can go, which might require some downsizing, a move, etc.