Pfr, I have worked in these places, heard these conversations and was witness to this kind of "anti elitist" arguments. it is not bollocks, it is based on years of experience and observation. I don,t know what e xperience you have of modern academia, none I suspect, but music and the arts are under siege in universities, it is a great loss.music is a wonderful unifier of cultures and we are losing it in our public institutions.
I have been an a meteur musician for many years and have loved sharing music with students of many backgrounds. The last few years of my career I was told that music clubs were not to continue as it was "elitist". My club was voluntary and many students of many cultures participated. I got so much grief, I finally gave it up. what has your experience been ? Better than mine I hope!