However, they have an incredibly hierarchical structure to their society, and attaining rank is a huge motivation. There's an episode in which Q sends Picard back in time and he is not a captain, but instead is a subordinate - and he hates it - making harsh judgments/characterizations about the man he was as a subordinate. Clearly stature and rank is very important to him.
Arguably, one can achieve wealth in a Capitalist society by being innovative / creative, and hard working, and can do it behind the scenes without having to climb some societal ladder of stature. On the other hand, 'stature' is something that one can fully manipulate themselves into having (AOC, Bernie, Hillary, Kamala, etc.). There is absolutely NOTHING superior about a society that has replaced merit with political maneuvering.
Nice analysis.
And to further drive home the point that capitalism was evil, they introduced the money loving Ferengi. The little buttheads were creepy, but not menacing enough to be the main bad guys.
That lead to the Borg, the best part of TNG, and a dichotomy shift making the collective evil.