In fields like Biology or Medicine, where peer review is not double-blind, there's also what I would call a publication bias that perpetuates this elite cartel.

In fields like Biology or Medicine, where peer review is not double-blind, there's also what I would call a publication bias that perpetuates this elite cartel. If you submit an article to Nature or Science from, say, Oxbridge it has much higher chances to get in than if you submit from a good university like Southampton or Exeter. Professors from elite institutions are really well connected to editors and funders. Actually, many editors come from the same institutions. So while reviewers might treat you fairly if you submit from a less prestigious institution (I think this is also questionable), the editorial board will be less likely send you article for review.