Status works like OP describes, when going from “dregs” to “valued community member”. Social safety is a very basic need, and EA membership undermines that for many people by getting them to compare themselves to famous EAs, rather than to a more realistic peer group. This is especially true in regions with a lower density of EAs, or where all the ‘real’ EAs pack up and move to higher density regions.
I think the OP meant “high” as a relative term, compared to many people who feel like dregs.
Status works like OP describes, when going from “dregs” to “valued community member”. Social safety is a very basic need, and EA membership undermines that for many people by getting them to compare themselves to famous EAs, rather than to a more realistic peer group. This is especially true in regions with a lower density of EAs, or where all the ‘real’ EAs pack up and move to higher density regions.
I think the OP meant “high” as a relative term, compared to many people who feel like dregs.