I think we need someone a lot closer to the subject than me to say for sure, but, as I understand it, paleontology and archeology have seen a huge explosion of investment and discovery in the last few decades. With new technology and new ways of finding things, we're still digging into history and learning things never before known. Like this site, and dozens more in the Amazon, the Sahara, etc.

I think you make very good points. I think we may find ourselves in that position someday. But, I also don't think we've reached the bottom of that barrel yet. The easy stuff just laying exposed on the ground? Mostly, sure, I suppose. But there's just so much more.

I think?