Gold bars in storage may not degrade, but code in storage doesn't degrade either. We know from context that we're talking about code put to use. Gold bars are quite prone to degradation when put to use as well.

I understand what you’re trying to say with this analogy, but even gold bars have related costs, known as the cost of carry.

I bet you five gold bars that five gold bars left "unmaintained" won't be there when you pop back in a year.

It's not a big thing and there's no need for us to fall out over this .. but gold bars are famous for requiring additional ongoing security costs.

Even just burying them in the desert isn't as secure as it used to be.

I'll take that bet for 5 unmaintained gold bars. If you win you get all 5. If I win you give me 1. I'll let you know when they are buried.

Hmmm.

You do realise that if I were to win then the five gold bars would be gone in the wind and you'd be ponying up for another five to pay out on the wager?

These are going to be small gold bars.