I find it a very interesting remark :-)
Some questions: can you give some e.g.s of the kinds of "qualifications",
and the "moral licence"? What is "middle class culture" in the States? or
elsewhere? Similarities and/or differences to be expected?
"Face" is an issue here, along with the "power relationships" you
mentioned. I've found that it's easier for the dominating class to assume
a "modest", "humble" stance and stand little chance of hurting their
"face" (on the contrary, that adds to their face--winning credit for being
"humble" or "modest"...)... anyway, just stealing some time to write
to xmca under my heavy work load here...
Cheers,
Angel