For example, would you rather be a perfectly happy Buddhist monk, destitute, with no possessions or power, or would you rather be on unhappy American entrepreneur? I think I would prefer the second.

I prefer the scenario where you have more power.

Buddhism works. For happiness. A Buddhist country like Cambodia, cheer in Phnom Penh, I can see the Cambodians are actually very very happy. The only unhappy ones are the ones who are in touristy areas like Siem Reap, becoming corrupted by foreigners and degenerate expats.

Or another example, would you rather be a perfectly happy cow, or the hungry wolf? Or the juicy lamb, or the eagle?