I've seen the hedonistic response in other places in history. Here's one example I dug up.
LOL!!!! Having pleasure fall out of the sky is good. 
Or are easily available.
Remember, it's choice and avoidance. Avoid those pleasures from the sky that will crack your skull. 
I see your cave analogy. Actually, the bread and water in the cave would be a very painful life. I'm told, that in prison, misbehaving prisoners are put in solitary confinement as a punishment. Denied the company, of other people, they suffer terribly both mentally and physically. It's the sort of thing the ACLU seeks to ban. We are social animals.
Steve
So in other words, it is only your failure to succeed in being a good Epicurean that makes it appropriate for you to engage in chocolate, hugs, sex, and roller coaster rides???
If that is the case then may none of us succeed in becoming good Epicureans!!
No, perfection is a high bar. The Epicurean gods are perfect, but us, not so much. As good Epicureans, any kind of pleasure is welcome as it improves our state of mind!
Steve
LOL!!! Well..., I did ask you what you thought.
Thanks for all the extensive replies so quickly!
Although, I don't think the author is just saying that we should forgo ALL pleasures, for lack of pain; in as much as we reach that perfect level of contentment only rarely. Then, chocolate, hugs, sex, roller coaster rides, etc. serve to make us happier.
It's all choice and avoidance, so you're not causing yourself more trouble than it's worth.
I await your many replies!
Steve
I like Toby Sherman's take on Epicurean pleasure. See what you think:
HI there! I like my icon. <G> This setup is a very nice forum.
