to clarify, the author wrote “upper lower” class which means they are included with the upper class but are the peasants of it for the reasons you mentioned. yes, they have plenty of autonomy and short-term control of their life but they are ultimately subject to the truly upper class in the medium- to long-term.
His kids will be suing his estate for years when he dies. If you think they’re going to settle for such a small portion of his wealth, you’re nuts. Same with the Gates kids.
I thought the plan (for both families) was to give most to the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation… the kids want to sue to take away money going to the foundation? That’s pretty harsh if they attempt that.