This idea is intriguing and it probably has some merit. Unfortunately, when America has such a large segment of the population that is vehemently opposed to social programs, something like this would be a very hard sell here in The States. Though, I do have to admit while I haven't looked too deeply into the idea, the concept of a Universal Basic Income for some reason has similar connotations in my mind as the libertarian idea of a flat tax, something that sounds good on paper, but might not really work out all that well when implemented in reality and scaled up. A lot of programs, welfare, taxes, etc. are complex because there really isn't a one size fits all solution to every situation.