>>I think history might show that when and where revolts happened, and when they were not based on new ideas, society simply collapsed and dark periods ensued.

Just because it's bad doesn't mean it won't happen. FWIW I was physically present for a riot many moons ago- ended up barricaded in a stereo shop helping secure it from pillage. These things feed on themselves and show no sensibility until the fires burn down and the last shop window is broken.

>>That's why I see no problem with the 1% existing the way others have problems with them.

The problem is that it used to be a given that privilege is accompanied by obligation and duty, but now the duty seems increasingly to be inwards. I agree that you only have to look at the 2% prior to the French Revolution to see how that goes. And also fwiw, I'd wager that some here are well into the 1%, even into the 0.5%, so your assertions of envy may not make sense.

>>I'm not delusional enough to think that picking someone randomly from the 50% will do any better.

You're missing the point. When it happens, few on the frontline will be considering what will happen next week. That requires leadership and in 2014, most of the best leaders would stick with the existing social compact. That will change if the greedies keep it up.