You must be mellowing in your old age as again we agree on some, just not all.  And in this case the above we agree on, but for different reasons.  The only way that it pays anyone to lend money is if they can convince the borrower that money today is worth more than money tomorrow.  And that means you cannot have a deflating (or even stagnating) economy. (Nor for that matter hyperinflation which is also bad).  That requires a very narrow range of "good" growth in both the economy and inflation, and yes Banks target that.

You dont work for altruistic reasons.  You work for things (money being the common bond to get them).  Same way with banks.  They are not altruistic, they are out to make money.

But banks and Wall Street are prone to inflate their importance by shamelessly inflating true worth beyond recognition. 

And yet people continue to send them their money in the form of 401ks and stock options. If everyone that hates Wall Street took their money out, that would teach them. Just one problem, those folks are just as greedy, just on a smaller scale.

Small banks do exist (for us joe schmoes).  Indeed, as each one is bought and merged into a larger bank, a smaller one pops up that is home grown and responsive.  I have no aversion to changing banks as mine get bought out.  I do seek out smaller banks as I love the fact they know their customers.

George Bailey would love you.

Maybe not. Doc stated he takes his money out! Bailey jumps off the bridge, no wings for that angel.

Only when they get bought out by a mr. Potter bank!

During the late 80s, it was getting ridiculous.  I was moving my money every 2 years!  Even today I dont think I can keep the money in one place more than 4.  fortunately, as each bank gets bought, another takes its place.

I stay with my credit union, they've kept me pretty happy.

I joined one as well - so I could get a real cheap car loan!  I keep an accoun there, but still like my George Bailey banks.