I do Economics HL, and I can literally tell you money is just a measure of value, that's the official term for it.
money buys everything around us, it's also what makes it possible for us purchase things to live. In the ancient days money was things you trade for more things so you can have it, now money is a material we trade for items. We need money to live.
Granted you're correct, but the poll isn't for the optimal choice. It's out of those two scenarios, which isn't as bad? Again, what you said is correct, but it is sadly not an option.
Money is only a solution to the barter trade system used in older times. You can't measure the value of 3 rulers for it's equivalent value for apples, that's where money comes in, it's a medium of exchange, nothing but a variable for value between the rulers and apples, or any two products of any kind. Money just measures, like a ruler does, that's all it does.
If I'm going to be honest, then I rather be rich with no friends. Spoiler: reason In reality, I barely have any friends anyways, so what much of a difference would that be? At least I'd be able to help my family with financial problems and etc.. I mean, sure having a bunch of friends would be absolutely fantastic!!! (note my sarcasm) But, yeah, no, not really... I'm way too much of an awkward and non-outgoing person that no one would want to hang around w/ me for a long time anyways... Realistically out of all the "friends" I have, I only have a few that are true by the end of the day..