Nobody here ever worked for $1/hour? Many people would love to do this, just to be in California for free for a few weeks (all expenses paid).
Anyway, I just feel I should pass different opinion.
> dilemma-style trap where the equilibrium is at or just below the amount needed to not starve
That ship had sailed long time ago. In California I would be more worried about housing cost and expenses in general. I bet many people would gladly accept $1/hour position which would cover insurance, rent (in real house), food, car.... Steve Jobs worked for $1/year!
Ireland has strongly enforced minimal wage with long tradition, yet it surprisingly just does not work, even government is now forcing people to take unpaid positions.
After going to India a couple of times I could see people from there not caring about the low wages just so that they could go to California.