I can't ever see this phenomenon working in reverse, either.

In theory it can - but $ are only $ when cashed out of the system, that's why these machines are always consuming the capital - it can never grow to anything substantial because it is being eroded digital penny by penny.

A couple years ago I read articles about ETFs and how, long term, they are terrible investments because of the capital decay in both stagnant and downward trending markets.

That same principle seems to apply to the whole stock market now.

It affects all stockholders - and only negatively.

Unplug the machines!