Top is relative. In this scenario you can create "top" immediately right where you are. The waves will spread and eventually resonate. It's an exponential process and the same wavelengths always amplify when they are in phase.

Furthermore, it "costs" the same amount of energy as trying to launch some poor soul to the "top" of current social structure and, in effect, submit to its rules of the game. Not to mention that, although that "particular field" is populated by rather pathetic individuals (as you correctly observe), I would not underestimate their obstinacy.

Break the chain of command however ... ;P

In any case, that saying in Bible, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God,” is pretty accurate IMO. The rich men being synonymous with holders of power. I don't see a problem with them being last, after all they are literally “a piece of work.”