Q. Why might a single agent stuck in a sub-optimal Nash equilibrium, along with 100s of millions of others, not make a different choice that might cost them mor

Q. Why might a single agent stuck in a sub-optimal Nash equilibrium, along with 100s of millions of others, not make a different choice that might cost them more? A. Ideology. If the agent wants a different global equilibrium, they might decide that them choosing differently, (1) calms their conscience and/or (2) actually make a material different in the choices of others.