I do not disagree with the thrust of your post, but I do have a bone to pick with your point 2. The argument for a make-work program is not based on any theory

I do not disagree with the thrust of your post, but I do have a bone to pick with your point 2. The argument for a make-work program is not based on any theory of the value of labor. It is based on vulgar Keynesianism and predicated on the multiplier effect of spending. I agree with you that a make-work program is at best, and generously interpreted as a naive idea.