So faced with the normal process of up or out, low performers choose to join the secret police and engage in torture etc to 'thrive'.

I wonder if there isn't also a parallel to criminal activity - aren't prisons full of low academic performers/ disadvantaged - who are resorting to crime to 'thrive'.

ie if you set up the game so some people feel they can't win then they will refuse to play.

And so is this a danger of a meritocracy with an insufficient safety net - those you leave behind - will either be angry and resentful and vote in a facist and/or turn to crime?