On the other side of that argument, the experience of playing in a world-class tournament can be benefit younger players.

WSJ: WBC players look to sustain success

The BBC's political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue says the criticisms from a highly respected body could re-open the argument surrounding the issue of child benefit just six months before the changes are due to come in.

BBC: Child benefit changes 'seriously flawed' accountants say

The other, more immediately practical, argument is that China will benefit in terms of new jobs and fresh flows of foreign investment in a reinvigorated economy.

ECONOMIST: China opens up

So I don't accept this argument that there's some benefit to culture in allowing people to make copies of commercial films and getting them for free.

CNN: Four found guilty in landmark Pirate Bay case

Gold tends to have low correlation with other financial assets and there is a credible argument that gold should have a permanent place in portfolios because of that diversification benefit.

FORBES: Should You Follow Soros Out of Gold?

His book addresses the argument in cost-benefit terms, and concludes that spending 1-2% of global output to avoid a significant temperature rise is a bargain worth taking a similar conclusion to that in his original 2006 study.

ECONOMIST: What to do?