Interesting.

I absolutely agree that equality of opportunity is not the answer to everything.

I'm particularly curious about point #2. Isn't that how people already feel? It seems like a lot of opposition to a more redistributive tax and social welfare system, especially in the US, comes from the belief in, or hiding behind the ideal of, meritocracy.

If that's how people already feel, it would be better if it were true.

It would then be down to genetics, and, in a utopian society everyone would have their own talents, others would value them, and no one would be left "behind".

Maybe a society needs either, or a mix of, that recognition of non-monetary contribution, and enough compassion and sympathy for the less well off, to work to create a situation where people truly have equal opportunities in the first place..?