Even in Star Trek, some people had things that others didn't have. The elite and the non-tech had hand-made things rather than generated things. The hand-made things increased in value because they were unique. They could be copied perfectly, but to have the original would add to the status of the individual.

I definitely know I'd be capable of more real work if I had more of my basic needs covered and wasn't spending all my time on trying to find low-cost dental work and doctors... and if I'd had a chance to go to college.