In addition, beware the stories of "self made" tycoons which will conveniently ignore how -- even if they didn't trigger it -- they still had a safety-net of wealthy relatives that they could rely on for emergencies or loans. (Ex: Bill Gates.)

Statistically speaking, poorer people can't afford to undertake the same risks, so they can't take advantage of the same opportunities. Once you hit zero, you can't gamble your way back.

Bingo. Tons of money can't buy you the home run, but it can buy you a stronger bat, a slower pitch, and as many swings as you need to hit that home run.