[pragmaticjj]

They obviously are not and can not be or become "top-tier males". That's the objective reality. They don't want to be part of the system as it has nothing in it for them.

In other words, their existence as part of the system is perceived as miserable as - if not more so - than being outside of it. So why bother trying?

There's very little to no return on investment for their efforts in improving themselves (or being part of the system).

If due to pressing economic circumstances they were forced to work, they would not be any less miserable, perhaps more so.