Both China and Russia are holding large amounts of gold. I have my doubts that the US has any left. A gold standard isn't likely as you say, I agree.
The COMEX and LBMA are heavily manipulating the monetary metals with naked short contracts, that's why it is best to hold at least some of your wealth in physical form. Become your own central bank.
The tyrants at the Federal Reserve in the U.S., and on the other side of the pond in the City of London, are, and will do their best to keep people in their fiat debt-based monetary system, with capital controls.