New to this thread and to be honest I haven't read all 6 pages of it. I did read the opening post and several after it.
I too have been laid off numerous times, in most cases you could see it coming. There are signs; business gets slow and stays slow even during the busiest part of the season. Overtime is restricted, raises disaper, reviews get tougher, some of the senior managers find other jobs, management changes plans, promotions are put on hold, key employees aren't replaced, positions go unfilled, job duties get merged. All signs money is getting tight and management is making adjustments. Then come the lay offs, down sizing, reorganization, call it what you will, people are going to lose thier job.
Once I see the signs I update my resume, and start to make other plans, prep the wife, start looking for a new job, put feelers out, contact people I know in other companies, stock up some emergency cash, make sure the vehicles are maintained, etc.