If this scheme stopped dead in its tracks now, who would benefit most and who would lose out?
Those that benefit would be at the top of the matrix, i.e. the promoter and associates, that's where the upline money eventually ends up.
Who would lose out? Depending on the size of the scam, hundreds or thousands of $1 wannabes who make up the bottom tier of the 'matrix' or by its real name, the pyramid.
My "self respect" comment wasn't meant as a personal cheap shot at you, but in a wider sense, so if you'll forgive me, a bit of context.
We need money so that we can support ourselves in a society that uses it as a medium of exchange. The theory goes, you do or make something of wider benefit and are rewarded with fiat tokens, which you spend on stuff you need.
This started when humans began cooperating and trading with each other,
in the common good i.e. where both parties to a deal derived benefit.
This is called civilization.
We no longer needed to prey on the weak, because we could derive personal benefit from mutually beneficial activity, essentially differentiating ourselves from animals and the predator/prey relationship.
Civilization has brought huge pluses, allowed the development of the most beautiful things in life, like art, literature and music, as well as enabling members at all levels of capability to find safety and a chance of happiness.
Ponzi schemes and similar scams return us to the jungle. We only look after Number One, seeking advancement from a direct cost to another human.
You seem like an intelligent, young? guy who can contribute to society as well as reap rewards from it (as you do every day in countless small ways).
There is nothing more satisfying than working hard at something which you also take pleasure from doing, in creating something of relevance and value that enhances other people's lives as well as your own. And getting paid for it.
Get rich quick scams and schemes eat huge amounts of energy and time but create nothing but a transient personal benefit at someone else's cost.
And it's not just a dollar that's lost, the fabric of our society is minutely damaged every time lies succeed, we become more atomized, less trusting, and everyone loses in the long term.
I'm aware that this philosophy is outmoded in these libertarian days of "greed is good" and dog eat dog, but that's how I see it.
Apologies if this comes across as a lecture, it is not meant to be, just a summary of how I see these damaging schemes, as a considerably older and maybe a tiny bit wiser contributor than some on here.
