[dooooood]

> There is a long and deep history of the wealthy classes pitting the lower classes against each other in this very way,

Considering yourself part of low class if you are a software engineer is the root issue here.

> primarily by directing anger at the middle tiers from the lower, and a fomenting a sense of fear of the lower tiers in the middle.

I'm not arguing that the effect you are describing doesn't exist. The point is that you are applying to the wrong part of society.

> I have checked out the income distribution in the US: you're way off.

"Way off" is not accurate. The income distribution is extremely steep at the top end. If 1% is at 350k the 150k is not far away. 2%? 3%? The page you linked doesn't load from where I am located. It's surely within the top 5% which you still ascribe to be the elite that's manipulating everybody. I'm doing the exact opposite of expressing support.