It might be obvious from your perspective, but I can't see it from over here. I agree that people can be led around. I just think that that's probably what was going to happen with those people. The more I look at it, the more determinism I seem to find.
We have been talking about free will for the last several thousand years. There are only about 3 opinions to have on the subject. Each is valid in the minds of the beholder. The ultimate Truth is yet to be determined.
A dollar also exists. But, it is a token. A more concrete place holder for the idea of money. A game we all play in our minds that affects our physical world. Magick.
I see my life has been magnetically attracted to where/when I am now. There were options, but they were never real contenders for what I would pick. I merely did what was typical for my "type of person." Another type of person could not have lived my life. They would not have been able to choose as I did. And that is good. I have this covered. Anyone needing this can find me. We need the other people to do more of the other stuff that I can't do. All turning the wheel. Think anything, do anything you want. We only have so much time.