Yes, absolutely agree people should not be judged by their economic contribution, there are so many other gifts they have to bring.

And equality of opportunity doesn't address that issue, it's a result of it. Do poor children deserve a decent education? Of course they do.

Levelling the playing field won't eradicate income, or especially wealth inequality. It might even the curve out a little, but that can only really be achieved by government redistribution.

Is equality of opportunity worth striving for in its own right?

It seems so harmful to society to box-in and suppress some of the brightest young minds with one hand, and make presidents of total f**kwits with the other.

I see your fears, but although, from a purely economic perspective, there is a strong case for a true meritocracy, I don't think it will happen unless the way people are valued evolves first.

So equality of opportunity is not the answer to the problem, it's a result of a greater progress.

I'm only just thinking this through, thank you for the inspiration