Every now and then some golden nuggets come along through conversations that shine light on this whole situation.  

Friend A:  "But I feel we are are in a 'holding  pattern'.  Things will change and we will be back on top again.  Despite that right now it's hopeless.  No international travel, it appears for years to come."

Friend B:  "Power has an effect on people.  Makes them petty.  Once someone has power they always want more and they don't want to give it up either."

Friend C:  "If you can get out of there, you leave China.  It's not safe for your life.  I think China will not open the country easily.  And you will endure a lot of pressure.  It's bad for your mental health.  Think about work for later."

Friend D:  "Congratulations for getting out of lockdown.  I'd head to the airport now on a one-way ticket."

Friend E just got released from her compound.  Recall she was the same one earlier who tested positive and got sent to quarantine camp hell.   "3 hours after compound release today I was told they were shutting the whole area down again in the evening.  Neighbors were all running with their bags and I shoved my bags out the door and one fell in a ditch!  One neighbor said I can help.   I left some stuff behind.  67 freaking days of prison.  I'm glad I listened to my instincts to leave quick.  I was about to be sealed again.  But I escaped.   No excuses.  Just do it.  I have a new place to stay now."

Friend E later ended up moving to Thailand and is decompressing on Koh Samui