The answer is reassuring, at least, that some of his suppositions aren't completely without merit. He doesn't much like having a poor grasp of his circumstances, and the differences between his world and those of some of the folks he's spoken to are stark.

"Oh, indeed. Consider my question more in the nature of scientific inquiry, not critique." Then he moves to pour himself a drink, inspired by his own words. He'd need a bit more liquor to think his way through what they're faced with. "Though I can appreciate the sentiment behind wanting to find one's way out."