Fair enough. This article certainly isn't exhaustive. But I think it's worthwhile focusing on the extremes (on individualism and collectivism), since the European social democracies stand between them and thus are likely subject to similar problems. Indeed, the moderate societies will include the downsides of both extremes, albeit lesser versions of those downsides. Perhaps, though, the compromises are more sustainable than neoliberalism or than an atheistic police state.

My question would remain, mind you, about whether we should look for an even more ideal solution. I leave it open whether social democracy would be compatible with an existentially ideal society since I hardly claim to have all the details worked out.

Notice, though, that happiness (or "joy") isn't necessarily the criterion since even poor people in underdeveloped countries report being happy. The issue I'm raising in this thought experiment is the possibility of atheistic honour (or existential authenticity). Indeed, in an ideal world, we might be obliged to suffer in recognition of certain truths.