Thanks all.

There's a lot to ponder on there. Also, it's good to know I'm not the only one.

I think the overall problem can be sumed up this way:

I thought I could identify 'diseases' and 'cures.' Now I'm not so sure. What once appeared as a disease, appears now as a cure -- and vice versa. It's disheartening + disorienting.

The end of the spectrum I was running towards, now seems like the end of the spectrum to AVOID.

Analogy: I don't know if any of you ever listen to the radio show, "Coast to Coast." It's the overnight show that gets into esp, ufo's and all that tin-foil-hat type stuff. I really don't take the show seriously -- I just listen for amusement sake. Anyhow, they have koo-koo guests (real nutjobs), AND they have totally legit guests (real scientists, etc.) on too. Here's the thing/problem -- the host treats ALL the guests EXACTLY the same way! Luckily, I can tell the difference.

But what if I couldn't? Or worse -- what if the nutjobs seemed legit, and vice versa?

That's where I'm at right now with my sudden mindset shift. I can't distinguish between cure and disease -- and I'm now seeing that BOTH are treated in EXACTLY the same way, so that does NOT provide any clues!!

The Bernie Madoffs of the world PRESENT THEMSELVES in EXACTLY the same way people who can really help you do.

Believing in people +/or ideas, etc. who SAY they are going to help you is not a 'mode' that will lead one in the right direction, in all cases.

Klunkers + con artists + people who truly BELIEVE they can help you (but can't) all APPEAR the same way. The disease LOOKS + ACTS just like a cure -- and vice versa.

Realizing that puts one (at first) at a mind-numbing loss.

-- TW