Is this an accurate hypothesis?

I remember seeing a satirical painting of Czarist Russia's capitalist system somewhere that pretty much describes what your talking about here. I think it might have had one or two more categories than your describing and the authorities were definitely placed higher than manual laborers but your on the right track. I'd send you a link but it ain't allowed. As for the not so subtle comment about political corruption as it stands now? All people will screw you over if they don't have good reason not to do so. From the lowliest hobo to the richest fat cat. There's a sucker born every minute and it's their your own fault if you get fooled.