(c) QP is a clear connection as the 'doom' predicted by the Pundits is compared with the 'bright future' predicted by the optimists. The usage of 'But' in P is the clear catch. So B & D are wrong. Further PS is another connection as 'they' mentioned in S refers to the optimists in P. Again R follows 1, as R depicts the baffling situation mentioned in 1, 'fortunes made and unmade'. So, 1RQPS6 is the right combination.