I think the point is that living paycheck isn't indicative of not being able to afford basic necessities. It is the desire to spend most of your income on more than what are actually basic necessities.
Moreover, I was responding to OP, specifically the conclusion I quoted and these two statements: > Living paycheck-to-paycheck can be representative of good choices being made (and I'd guess it is, in most cases).
and
> Most people can't afford everything they optimally need while minimising their risk,