Now you're really just on the philosophical aspect of struggle/survival. I'm not against that conversation but this human thing is far from natural or organic.

Manipulation, deception, superiority is the game. Those who play it best, rule the rest.
That's both philosophical and actual.
Exemplified in all systems, major and micro.
Even in a family unit this is apparent.

I do believe in change though and I've made that point several times. I do also believe you're right on the population plateau. That's again though, imo, elite control.

Much of the world's workforce now on state handouts, is testament to corporate shedding expensive dead wood.

Essentially I see society like a human.
We the people the body, consuming energy, existing as the load carrier/worker.
So the head/brain is the beneficiary.
The elites need body, but could survive without, and recreate body. The body cannot survive headless though. Masses don't have clue how to organise and grow a new head.