[thegjp210]

These are good points. I think a compelling argument can be made towards the admixture of the best and brightest with the daughters and sons of the rich and famous. Net net, I think that the opportunities provided to the best and brightest from exposure to, and friendship with the offspring of the spectacularly rich is why schools and network spun out of Harvard have generated such an effective flywheel effect over the generations. Granting access and pedigree to society's elite by a school isn't purely a vocational exercise - and the social element is why the Ivies and Oxbridge have thrived so spectacularly.