All good questions!  I am no genius, or even an expert in most of these thread topics, but maybe if enough people put their heads together in brainstorming: some breakthroughs might be reached.  Somehow, I fantasize that TODers and other forums are prepared with well-evaluated alternative Action Plans when Billions realize that we all are suddenly doing the Wiley E. Coyote Airdance.

If Iran suddenly sets the Mideast in flames-- believe me, the nuclear weapons will be fired up, up, and away anyhow.  Hell, all indications are GO for the pre-emptive use of these badboys.  I hope We can do better than that.

Consider my earlier suggestion of turning off nightlights on billboards and storesigns: virtually painless to do.  Somehow, I don't think anyone is willing to die for their beliefs that signage for Preparation H, or any other product or service must be night-time illuminated.  Even the employees of these companies would not start shooting.

Yet, I can forsee huge numbers of Peakniks emailing their politicians telling them that their re-election chances depend on them legislating lights out.  A tightly targeted, single issue 'viral marketing campaign' to get millions of other people to corner their pols on this issue would bring results.  Look how quickly the Amber Alert System spread from state to state when the people put the pressure on. Just lather, rinse, and repeat.

Assume Richard Rainwater and his buddies can be convinced to donate the initial funding, and we all kick in as much as we can.  When the press starts covering this story, all kinds of non-Peakniks will be wondering,  "What the Hell is going on"?  They will come to TOD and other websites to keep the momentum growing.

Bob Shaw in Phx,AZ  Are Humans Smarter than Yeast?