Ugh. Why do these threads always turning into such a strawman mess.

"Big accounting problem", in fact, were MY words upthread when replying to a claim that SS benefits might not exist by then. And I agree, a ~20% shortfall is a big accounting problem. But it's not a social disaster and doesn't need to be treated like one.

Consider: reduce benefits by 7%, increase the FICA payroll tax by 7%, adjust incentives so people reduce their benefit-years by 7%. Seems like our society can survive that without planning on retirement without government assistance.