I tend to place patronage in the same category as charity, which was when rich and powerful people were enabled to feel good by giving to the poor and needy.
The trouble is that the "poor", or the artisans in the case of patronage, were not valued as people, but a route to further glorification of the rich. Charity is OK for dogs homes and poorly donkeys, but it degrades people.
Hwyl, Bron.