I accept your point SW but here we have a paradox: if you really want to change the system and feel you can, there's little point in grumbling into your pint or contributing to these theads; you have to join the establishment, risk the charge of hypocricy, and try to change it from within. Did our goverment listen to all the stop the war protesters? The biggest upheaval in Britain was started in parliament itself by a relatively small group.
And Fred, another paradox. If the monarchy and peerage were to be abolished, do you think they would go willingly and sacrifice even a small part of their privilages and wealth. She would just be the Former Queen with her fortune, houses, income and servile staff still. As good old Oliver said: 'We will cut off the king's head and the crown with it'. You cannot separated the institution and the holders of the office. The Queen, who monarcists tell us is very experienced and wise in the ways of the government and the world, expected the public to pay for the restoration of Windsor Castle after the fire and took 30 years to see that she should really pay income tax.