Yes, you're 101% right—personal social contacts are everything, and not just in Hive.

As for the experiment mentioned in the article, it's for the readers. I believe every mature, rational person can draw certain conclusions. The problem with societies, especially in poorer countries, lies within the society itself, not in the local oligarchs, rulers, or politicians. The same applies here. =)

Here, you can find authors who have achieved success. You mentioned that many opportunities have disappeared, but that's how it always is, everywhere. Some opportunities fade away, but new ones inevitably take their place.