It's a base assumption of the free market system, like homo economicus, isn't it?
Maybe not even an assumption, more a benefit. I'm not being very rigorous.

I'm also taking bets for who will first reply with "hehehe homo".
( Flapjack I spay a little mare for you, Tue 16 Jun 2009, 14:46, archived)

It is, but the assumption is closely linked to the equally false assumption that the market will continually evolve to meet the needs of the consumer.
So closely linked that to analyse either proposition individually would be disingenuous.
( Dr Preference AjcuiVd289, Tue 16 Jun 2009, 14:54, archived)

That the whole edifice is based on false assumptions
is not something I'd deny.
( Flapjack I spay a little mare for you, Tue 16 Jun 2009, 14:57, archived)