> On a slightly different note, every PhD I know, self included, has a story about how they almost failed out of or otherwise left graduate school if not for some serendipitous event. I have yet to meet someone who doesn't have such a story.

Ya, neither have I.

The PhD for me was a personal journey that I'm better off personally for taking. It hasn't made me much richer, however (no one should go to grad school for the money!). Also, getting a PhD should NEVER be your plan B.