As for the knowledge of such limits, ecological and alternativist materials can be quite helpful, but they should never serve to determine the content of the different life-styles. For this same reason, nima cannot be defined by bolo'bolo, it can only be lived practically. The crucial function of cultural identity is illustrated best by the fate of the colonised peoples. Their actual misery didn't start with material exploitation, but with the more or less planned destruction of their traditions and religions by the Christian missionaries. Even under present conditions many of these nations could be better off - but they just don't know any more why they should be, or what for.
Demoralisation goes deeper than economic exploitation.
On Western Samoa there is no hunger and almost no disease, and the work intensity is very low. Western Samoa is one of the 33 poorest countries in the world. It has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Mostly those killing themselves are young people. The Christian missionaries have destroyed the old religions, traditions, dances, festivals, etc.