the fact is, the economy is not that terrible, and its been getting better for the last ten years.
Certainly, not for everybody- but for a lot of people.
Every year I see more new cars, and more expensive cars. I was on the collectivo last year and we passed two Porsche Cayennes on one bus ride.
And its not just cars- argentines are also buying more and more computers, big screen tvs, fancy phones, fancy expensive clothes, shoes, jewelry, and all kinds of consumer goods.
Money is flowing.
Restaurants are full, there is a big new trend in 150 peso hamburgers and 100 peso bottles of craft beer.