I disagree. Every time we think “that could never happen” in our society, it happens. In my life time, I’ve watched the rise of software as something you buy and own, and saw it transform completely into something you rent. The Ferengi society is the logical conclusion to this process. On Ferenginar you have to pay for everything, with the equivalent of parking meters everywhere.

Our society is rapidly heading in that direction. The main difference is that at least the Ferengi are honest about the values that govern their society. I think we’re far more likely to end up like the Ferengi than we are the federation.