The thing is, the "value" of barter is also arbitrary -- it can vary from exchange to exchange depending on how much the participants each want what the other has. Fiat currency evolved at least in part as a way to make keeping track of relative values easier. Yes, it also evolved out of a way to avoid having to ship large quantities of precious substances long distances when big payments were required -- essentially, checking accounts predated and precipitated paper money -- but my point is that if we were to magically turn into an all-barter economy, sooner or later fiat currency would recreate itself, because it lubricates the whole process.
-- Bob
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Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.