Aren't some rich people buying up property, gold, art and probably crypto too. I'm not saying the rich are 'the enemy', but they tend to be the ones with the power to make a difference. If they can invest in schemes that allow people to improve their lot rather than buying yet another Ferrari then I think it's a benefit. Whether they want a return on that investment is up to them.
It doesn't necessarily need control to improve things. Some wealthy people have pledged to give away money because it seems a good thing to do. The rich can be compassionate :)
I'm not saying communism is the answer. The ideal version might have some benefits, but it's been corrupted everywhere it was tried from what I can see. People are imperfect and some will always be selfish. Of course I'm not going to live in North Korea. Your experiences having transitioned from communism will be different and so may our thoughts on these matters.
I might be considered rich by some. I own a house (actually more than one due to inheritance), have a couple of (old) cars and can afford to treat myself, but I don't aspire to a 'Lambo' or a Rolex or even 'designer' clothes. I don't need those to be happy, but our society preaches that consumption is good. I do give to charities and I also pay a higher rate of tax than many. I don't mind paying tax if it is well used and it may not be currently.
I am no expert on economics, but I see a lot of shitty things going on in the world driven by greed rather than need.
To some extent, yes, they experience less friction. But everybody has the power to make a difference.
Consumerism is a dead end, on that we agree. But it's not necessarily started by rich people. On the contrary, poor people tend to embrace the wrong values in their pursuit to become rich.
All I'm saying is that focusing on external attributes, like the perceived wealth of somebody, for instance, is not going to produce results. Focusing on humans, on their education, on their clarity, on compassion, I believe this will create a better place for all.