But writing some fucking code gives a good basis for a more informed debate since there could be a pool of models in existence which could then be refined. It also makes it a lot easier to test various assumptions and determine the sensitvity of various models. For example, take the number of non-workers a more plausible assumption is that everyone earning less than minimum wage + n, where n is the cost of maintaining the job would stop work immediately. That's a step forward from both figures used so far.

A set of iPython notebooks on Github could inspire the inner economist in us all.