This _also_ presupposes it's actually a meritocracy - unless "knowing a guy that knows a guy" gives someone merit, or our interpretation of merit, or our approx

This _also_ presupposes it's actually a meritocracy - unless "knowing a guy that knows a guy" gives someone merit, or our interpretation of merit, or our approximation of merit. And, just as your series of rhetorical questions also directs, that has long-reaching consequences.