A mass deflationary depression would be the short, sharp and sweet collapse we need. It would be an event that fucks the most people over, as most are stacked up on debt; a true precipice. On the contrary runaway hyperinflation would destroy the dollar, eat away all those with savings (in cash), and hand everyone who has a mortgage in US dollars a free house. Hardly a precipice unless the rate of inflation quickly outstrips the income of those on fixed wages.

I think the former is the shock needed, but I can see it going either way.