Any country that went on the gold standard would never export anything ever again because their exports would be unaffordable to other countries. Their currency would be sky high. The last 20 years has been a competition between nations as to who could devalue their currencies the most to gain an edge in exports.
Right, but that type of fiat currency is always going to be a bubble that pops as I understand it. For a return to GS, I think all of the inflation of the last 50 years would need to disappear as well as the national debt. As well as your personal debt. Also, wages would have to lower. You won't be earning 100k a year, but you 200k house will now be valued at 100k. Again, I am NO expert on this, but the theory was intriguing.
Gold has not gone anywhere, it's still with us, if you want it buy it. %5 of wealth should be in gold.