One thing I can contribute is this: Buy physical gold because the government can come and take all of the gold in the USA in a crisis situation. They have that power. The more concealed your gold is the better, surely.
So... all these companies that hold gold for you and send you a piece of paper will be some of the first to be raped of their/YOUR gold in such circumstances.
Buy it, keep it in a safe and bury it in the back yard - or whatever!
Then keep your mouth shut. Don't even tell your wife.
I'd opt for eBay and physical gold.
Pete