Regardless, I was calling it as I saw it at the time. Checking out the comment section of a few posts on PH's front page today, it looks like my evaluation still stands. Though my classification may be hyper-specific, my main point is it's a microcosm (stereotype?) of the echo chamber.
I don't know what it takes to get into the Silicon Valley upper class, but hard, quality work isn't it.
My best guess is that you have to be great at kissing ass. SV hates jerks, but loves hypocrites.
It's not about what you are, it's about how you come across (in a very primitive, superficial way).
People pay a premium for doing business with other people that they like. It's perfectly logical - we all want our daily interactions to be pleasant ones, and would much rather work with people we like than people we find distasteful.
It's completely counter-productive to frame this as everyone else just being superficial ass-kissing hypocrites.
It's not about race. It's about class. The "connected" part is what matters, not the "white dude" part.
Your average 99%er white dude does not get funded in Silicon Valley. He gets asked where he "summers" and then walks out confused.
What matters in Silicon Valley is being wealthy and having attended the right school. Being connected matters more than anything.
The only thing that makes it somewhat meritocratic is that real success is undeniable and even unconnected people can find ways to succeed without help.