Completely flattening income is a horrible idea. Everyone would try to get the easiest job possible, because the income is the same. Yes, some people do their j

Completely flattening income is a horrible idea. Everyone would try to get the easiest job possible, because the income is the same. Yes, some people do their job because they love it. But most people bust their butt so they can make a good living. "But in my system, everyone makes a good living," you say. What about inherently scarce resources? There is limited beachside property. Who will get it? Currently, busting your tail through medical school gives you a better chance than dropping out of high school. How would you decide when everyone makes the same? And the income equality would be an illusion, anyway: some skills are inherently more valuable than others. Transactions would just go off the grid. You need a roofing job done? The roofer is all booked up. Oh, you can barter with your web design skills? Well, that's more valuable than the guy who offered yard service, so you win. But darn if bartering isn't awkward - if only we had some system to store this inherent value...