I wonder about how large a section of the current elite are already holders and will be able to rise to match the counter elite or consolidate their existing wealth.

Some holders with a sufficient stack will be propelled to elite status but I think many in that status currently will not struggle to stay there.

This does not conflict with your point at all and perhaps I overestimate how much bitcoin powerful people hold but it's something I think about. Hopefully there are enough counter elite to mount a fight and bitcoin sufficiently changes the incentive structures.