Use of "etc."

[Picky-picky]

I feel that using "etc." in certain contexts trivializes the content. Is it acceptable to use this abbreviation in this sentence: "(country name) A, B, C, etc. were devasted by the tsunami." Wouldn't it be better to say ..."Among the countries devasted by the tsunami were A, B, and C."?

Or when listing famous people: "Buddha, Christ, etc...."
Thank you.

[Mister Micawber]

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There is no rule against it certainly, but I take your point, and recommend it as a point of style. I doubt that the situation would occur often, however, as few countries are simultaneously ravaged by tsunami, and there are few religious figures of the stature of the Buddha. I would think that the full list would be supplied in most instances.
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