@kaia That seems true in many cases, but the fact that the American ruling class is there because of money and cunning, rather than hereditary titles, selects for a certain type of individual. Lots of people were ennobled for ridiculous things, of course, but at the same time there were those who got their titles for more positive traits like bravery rather than money; and once you had the title, your family wouldn't lose it(?) if you lost your wealth. There's also the idea of 'noblesse oblige' which is completely absent in America.