I would have thought the exact opposite. Wouldn't the current elite rather believe that they are on top because they worked hard and earned their place? That way they can look down on the rest in good conscience while gutting welfare systems that only benefit those who "didn't" earn their own way.

Arguments that the successful are morally superior will also find an eager audience. In contrast, arguments that successful are inherently inferior in any way are a hard sell.

Totes. You actually hear this exact argument from quite a few people who escaped poverty and become successful. They did it, so anyone can do it!