Dan said "build an ‘addition’ to the existing foundation".

For me an addition to an existing foundation is called underpinning. I've actually done this on a building, it isn't easy and it's not a pretty sight!

Back to the metaphor: if the structure needs such drastic action as to require underpinning one has to query the "powers that be" who might invest in such an expense to shore up a crumbling edifice. They may have convinced themselves that the structure will be maintained by such work but actually those they consider to be necessary to the continued functioning of the structure may well have left - exit stage left.

This is the problem we face, particularly in the "West", when the whole edifice upon which we operated has shown so much shoddy workmanship. This leaves the arena open to extremism as participants who control resources creating "underpinnings" and " demand" continued participation in the house of cards as opposed to the other extreme which shouts the "emperor has no clothes".

There is an immense gap between these two views which is allowing for seeds of new ventures to burst forth on the ground that's cleared. Sadly the stones and brickbats will continue to fly.