A huge chunk of that had to have been because of RH and then stim checks for kids with dreams of financial independence and that didn't have to pay rent.

At least back in the day, you had to lie about your financial qualifications and experience and I think some places even required a min balance to get L2 options. RH would just give it to you if you applied, basically, and without commission so a bunch of .01 bets were 'more doable'.