And if I had a choice I'd like to see the fund's life extended though high interest rates which, of course, would come from general funds... and extending the tax to tax free income such as some capital gains.

Of course I'm advocating for a higher interest rate which can only come from general revenues. Congress can set a new formula just for SS... say to create a floor if general rates fall to low, but let the rate float otherwise. To let some new funds to get interest that's below the rate of inflation is moral if not criminal maladministration. Workers are involuntarily taxed for a social purpose and the health of OA, DI and HI should not be left to the whims of the economy or how low the FED drives down rates.

As for your comment that the trust is designed to shift the tax burden downward... you'll have to explain that. I think generally the goal of the Right is to create massive DEBT largely through irresponsible tax cuts for the rich... then to push for even lower tax rates which then would shift the burden of debt paydown... downwards. Of course debt may be too valuable a political tool for the right to give up on... it puts downward pressure on social spending. Better to spend on interest than services that help people... with the exception of interest for SS... which would have extended the longevity of the trust fund if there had been an interest floor 8 years ago.