[abecedarius]

Catch-up growth being easier than growth in a "developed" country implies that the less-developed country "should" be easier to get rich in -- a better opportunity, not worse. In principle. Yes, we don't live in the in-principle world, but the logic "they're richer over there, so here is inherently stuck unable to compete for talent" is wrong. You need to address whatever the actual structural problem is.

[cardanome]

It is easier to have higher relative economic growth, yes, as seen with China in the last decades but that doesn't translate to better opportunities for the individual.

A working class US American probably has a higher standard of living then an upper-class entrepreneur in Bhutan.

[abecedarius]

China over 1980s-2000s was an example I had in mind, yes. A poor country and a relatively great place to get rich.

There's always emigrating after you make your pile.