you: But men do, indeed, care. Witness John F. sKerry for only one
John Kerry's status as a senator probably compensates for his lesser economic level. If he were NEITHER rich NOR a political figure it's doubtful that Teresa would have been interested.
More seriously -- there seems to be something almost hardwired in women to try to marry "up"; it almost seems as if they are INCAPABLE of being attracted to a guy they perceive as being "below" them, no matter how upright, handsome, or compatible he may be. Whereas men might care to some degree about a woman's social level but it is not anywhere near the "make or break" issue that it often is for women.
>there seems to be something hardwired in women to try to marry "up"<
Well, of course there is. A woman wants to look "up" to her man. She has her innate scoreboard if she can find someone to meet it, she is a goner. But this usually has nothing to do with extraordinary wealth. It has more to do with good character. The good qualities must outweigh the faults if she is to continue "looking up" to her man.
(Unfortunately, young love is blind until it is too late.
Even for the mature a long engagement is advised).
As for a strong sex drive = creativity and success, I respect your unwillingness to accept the concept, but that doesn't mean it isn't true.
As a real estate broker, in salespeople I looked for a good drive, perception, self motivation and a family to support. I was seldom disappointed.
The arts are powered by the sex drive. Poetry and painting
are the expression of either a thwarted one, or a requitted one, but dynamically more the thwarted one.
We are all sexual beings, and creativity and creative thinking, expresses how we relate to the world, literally and mystically. You are a scientist, perhaps wanting everything cut and dried. But things are seldom cut and dried, my friend. Oh dear, we could go on and on. Let's just agree to disagree, my friend.