Hi Mish, sorry you didn't get the help. I have asked myself many of the same questions. After a lifetime of never owing a penny never being in debt and never spending what I didn't have when I looked for some help due to a D and losing huge amounts of money due to eonomic climate I was told I didn't qualify and yet I see others who do who on the face of it have far more than me, but whose to say they actually own any of it?

A lifetime of being careful and thrifty ways have not benefitted me at all.
In fact I was told it was a pity I didn't have debts because they could help clear them and once on the system or it it, then it appears you have carte blanch to every other handout!
Makes no sense to me.

Wishing you a silver lining.