The notion of distributing goods according to "need" lacks precise definition and therefore must again be implemented by means of bureaucratic mandates. As has already been noted, human needs can never be fully satisfied, regardless of the economic system, and the common distinction between "needs" and "luxuries" is in reality subjective and undefinable (pp. 5.2:11-2). Consequently, the Marxist approach requires that some ruling authority determine whose needs are to take priority in any given situation. Such decisions, evaluating the relative needs of different individuals, can have no objective basis, since interpersonal comparisons of utility are scientifically unfounded (pp. 4.5:2-7). These decisions therefore can only reflect the subjective opinions of the persons in power. In order to maximize their value scales, meanwhile, citizens must exaggerate their apparent needs in the eyes of the ruling authority; that is, they must appear as "needy" as possible.

A policy requiring production according to "ability" is equally problematic. Since there are no market incentives for individuals to produce voluntarily according to their full abilities, the ruling authority must somehow estimate the productive abilities of each citizen and then determine and enforce production quotas based on that estimate. Just as under a system of "economic equality," such quotas and penalties are necessary in order to avert extreme scarcities of goods and services, which might foment a rebellion. In particular, the ruling authority must determine to what line of work each individual is best suited. In order to avoid the disutility of labor, meanwhile, each citizen must minimize his or her apparent ability; that is, subjective value is maximized by appearing as helpless as possible.