Part of it is wealth disparity. Basic necessities take up a lot of the average persons income and they canot afford to higher someone like themselves to do things while those of great wealth can hire many with at most trivial impact to their income. It does not help that so few are involved in food production now so much of the disparity is disparity in production of necessities.

I think there are strong arguments in favor of the working class needing better balance right now.

You’re right. The middle class is still hurting. It really should shake loose more of the top’s wealth via union strikes, quiet quitting, etc.