Well, I don't think the *idea* of monogamy really makes anyone happy, as an abstract concept, any more than the *ideas* of polyamory, double-entry bookkeeping, or right turns on red. It's the practice, the application of it as it applies to one's own life.

In my view, if there are only a few people whos' monogamous relationships just "magically work", the only people getting anything positive out of it are the people in the relationship itself

I think that expecting one's relationship to be a source of joy to those around you is a bit much to lay on it. I don't think relationships "magically work," and whatever it is about those relationships that does work is not superficial, the the looks of an actor or model are. Not exposed to the public.