[sumoward]

Thanks, an erudite contrarian view like this is always stimulating.

I had heard about but did not know very much about Mittelstand.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mittelstand

We have lessons to learn from European paradigms as you point out. However I think you are a little harsh on founders, the pursuit of fame may be an issue for a small minority but is hardly a universal issue.