IMO, there’s the elite and there’s the rich; sometimes the twain meet. Those who are merely rich aren’t the ones who are resented (other than by elected Dems and various union thugs).
To me, the ‘elite’ are those who know better what’s good for you and me than we do, i.e., the over-educated. Ego-driven power is their primary motivation in life. Typically, at least one Ivy or similar degree is required for entry to that club. With no sense of irony whatsoever, the younger elites are supportive of OSW. (not that they’d actually live in an OSW encampment)
Unfortunately, the Ivies no longer admit nor promote based on merit but on ‘diversity.’ They want (and govt regs require) a certain percentage each of males/females/whites/blacks/hispanics/native Americans/northerners/southerns/foreigners/athletes of various sports to keep the alum happy. That lovely mosaic can then be molded in their thinking to conform to what the universities and their professors want. It’s all so very intellectual, we just wouldn’t ‘get’ it.
In fairness, Ivies and all ‘highly selective’ colleges have always had ‘preferred’ admitees; historically they were legacies. If Grandpappy built a library, you can be pretty confident you’ll be offered admission.
The theory of elitists seems to be, why work and/or build/run a company with all the risk that involves, when you can be somewhat removed, and make all the laws under which those others have to run their companies?
I’m jut guessing - but I’ll bet neither you nor any members of your family attended an “elite” university.
Not trying to be rude - but to me - it looks like you have little idea of the topic. Not introverted fantasy idea - I mean - real data, real experience.
How close am I?
As you point out, this is a co-optation move, an attempt to stay in front of the dissemination of powerful ideas and technologies, to co-opt the leaderships of the societies that will grow in power and capability and prosperity by adopting them. They want to make sure the clerisy populations in other countries and in outgroup communities within the United States all have influential ringknockers they can go to, to pull a string when needed.