Looks like I can't reply directly (because the thread has gotten to expansive?), @freebornangel. While I agree that the gift economy model is morally superior, do not discount how much effort it will take for this to supplant the current global economic framework. I believe the first step is to develop sustainable co-ops. Next intentional (particularly urban) communities will develop. Many of these communities will slowly switch to a time-banking economy. Some of those communities will become an outright gift economy. The key is to start local. When one feels like an integral part of a community and one has humanized one's neighbours, it becomes much easier to eschew the concept that holding onto things will make one happy.

@geke I should have been more precise with my words. I believe that capitalism inevitably leads to either failed businesses or juggernautic growth—in the long term. I'll look into Schumacher's work. I love to learn more and rework my hypotheses accordingly!

When facing competition, you can't profit without serving your customers and adding value to their lives.

This is the theory, but evidence suggests otherwise. For example, it's more profitable, and thus much more common, for companies to make products that are disposed of and repurchased rather than repaired. This benefits investors, but not consumers. A consumer co-op that makes a similar product would by definition make something that better satisfies its customers. However, even assuming you are correct, I'm not sure how the co-op model would be worse.