I 100% understand his path and it is VERY smart! Ultimate grifter!
I have this old "friend" who studied finance and economics and then went to law school. Later he also became a CPA. He works at a boutique bank. He does everyone a "favor" and provides them with FREE financial/accounting and legal advice. He goes through the contracts of his prey. He points out all the "problems" and cherry-picks all the times in history that have left the holder of this particular︀ "bag" poor AF & even bankrupt.
He then presents his findings, 99% at a 'FREE'︁ dinner at his house. House he inherited from his grandparents. Big mansion in a gated︂ community.
When the broken down and disillusioned holders of the bags are down and disappointed︃ with their current situation, they invariably ask him what he recommends. He then tells them︄ he'll take care of it all for them and turns them to his boutique bank︅ and sells them all kinds of safe financial products (legit products - very smart guy;︆ but we know these products too) where they make a tad bit more, but where︇ he earns HUGE commissions.
It's hard to call it a scam because the targets end︈ up better off, but it isn't due to his magnanimity. It's due to the market.︉ The targets would do better if they managed their own portfolio but they believe they︊ can't. The diplomas on the wall fool everyone. 😉
PS. Both Big Pharma and Alex Jones︋ prey on the feeble-minded insecure person who believes that there are pure souls out there︌ vying for their benefit. 🙄