Note: I am in a quandry about whether this post belongs here or on Austenuations. If I'm in the wrong place please let me know.

I am watching P&P2 again, and just finished the first proposal. I was struck this time around with Darcy's very real concern about Elizabeth's low connections. In the past, I felt I understood his concern, (though I do not agree with his manner of presenting it.)

However, last night I began thinking also of S&S. Now I was under the assumption that the Dashwoods and the Bennets were of about the same economic status, and that Brandon and Darcy would be about equal as well (if I'm wrong about either of those things do correct me.) SO, I found it interesting that while Darcy, who is rich and can have no need of any inheritance of Elizabeth's, is so concerned, Brandon doesn't seem to think of it at all in regards to Marianne.

Is this because a) the Dashwoods, though relatively poor have better family connections than the Bennets, b) Darcy is too concerned about his social status, c) Brandon is not concerned enough about his social status, or d) Darcy is of higher rank than Brandon and therefore must be more picky?

Or am I just way off base?