I've also read that the ETF's are probably a huge factor. Instead of investing in companies, it's just easier to buy the metal itself via the ETF, even though the ETF, GLS & SLV, probably doesn't have the metal.

Of course the general public wouldn't know this. The ones that are starting to see the light probably just learned how to spell gold and all they ever hear on the idiot-box is gold and silver ETF.

But like you said, much of the general public may not have any resources left to invest in gold and silver at all, even if they wanted to?

However, I suppose that when people do start to panic they'll find some way to buy a few shares of low priced stocks. There won't be anything else for them to panic into. There definitely won't be any physical available to buy. There's barely any now and the panic hasn't started yet.

They won't be able to buy many expensive ETF shares. The major producers will also be sky high. Perhaps, just perhaps, some low priced juniors will still be available, if they can scrap up some investing funds somehow.

Terry