I don't really wanna be part of a society that sacrifices the old and unfit at the expense of the whatever point you are trying to make. 500,000 COVID deaths across the country shouldn't be taken lightly.
I am surprised if you are taking all "scientists" as a collective group that you are focusing on early attempts to create models rather than the delivery of a vaccine (by scientists) and overall improvement of disease handling by scientists.
What powerful institutions need to save face exactly?
That's interesting, I saw that first hand in January staying the night in twin falls-idaho. It must be doing really well. Seattle where I live, not so much. Is this something you have read about before? Or just an observation?
You can Google around, generally there are good review sites out there (no one specifically is better than the other). I can give you a recommend for Seattle if your looking for it.
To me your goal should be a better payed role. I assume with your VHCOL that there are better jobs available. I would work on landing something better at big tech (FANG ideally).
Once you're there you can focus on your side projects or building your own SAAS etc.
You can work to increase your income by working towards a promotion or finding a new job. The other option is to reduce your outgoings. Who are you supporting and why are you supporting them? Why are you stuck living in a VHCOL?