I could talk/write for ever about the movement of service provision over the last 20 years or so, but I think you go into such a discussion ignoring the effect of stock markets at the peril of coming to a realistic conclusion.

As someone who used to be there and do investment, as well as offshore banking, I see no utility in stock markets. They are institutions for gambling on second hand shares using other people's money, and the insiders ALWAYS take their handful off the top (spot the music quote), and they always have more than one place to go (there's another), while their brothers and their cousins . . . oh, stop, this is getting silly . . . in government protect them because they are given a little taste, thereby binding them into the conspiracy ('cos that's what it is) And these are the same men in expensive suits who demand ever increasing profits from the people who actually make things and provide services people want so the share price can be kept up (the thrust behind the just in time philosophy)

Want an illustriation. Worldcon (such an appropriate term, 'cos that's what it was once the moneymen and the share options took over) and Enron. The two biggest thefts of all time (other than the theft of the North American continent, but that's a whole other can of worms) The collapse of the American stockmarket caused by the collapse of 2 - count them 2 - companies that didn't amount to very much at all in the 'real' world of telecommunications is what has sharpened the minds of politicians all over the world, who now recognise the term 'pension crisis'. Even Dubya thinks its real, so it must be. Think back. Which notable politician freely admitted shredding documents vital to the Enron investigation? Dick Cheney. He of Halliburton. Dubya's minder. You think he invaded Iraq to get rid of a dictator? You must be simple. Think of the special prosecutors they sicced on the last guy for nothing at all, and here you have involvement in the biggest theft of all time that has taken money out of the pockets of millions (and some of them must have been registered Republican voters), but who will feel the collar of the Vice (such an appropriate word) President when the company is at war.

Rant over.