Even the people who are actually making a difference in science and community development struggle to get funding because we don't want to pay for anything other than the cheap shit we demand.
As someone trying to take philosophy from the academy to the most marginalised people in our community, I am painfully aware of this.
There's more in my head, but my thoughts aren't very organised this morning. But can I just say how nice it is to read something that isn't some sort of weird wealth-porn.
After reading the post linked to from @krnel's observations, I have to ask: Have you considered setting up a witness node and trying to claw your way to the top 20 that particular heap?
I don't have the technical abilities to run my own witness node and to get into the top 20 one needs a fair bit of support from those already in the top 20-30, that isn't likely to happen anymore.
In one sense it's a pity, as I think you'd make better decisions than some of the current crop. But you are right - it's a closed shop now.
The only way in to really disrupt it is to buy in and that might happen (if the place survives) when corporations start powering up.
If the rent-seeking that @krnel was discussing doesn't cause our economy to implode, yes, you might be right. Imagine, @microsoft-witness - LOL!