I'd agree that it being "the norm" for generations would do a lot to reduce the sense of "unfairness" inherent in the system. The concentration of wealth would, as pointed out, prevent the rise of thousands in a "garret aristocracy."

At the same time,don't forget, there was a common view that such an inheritance also carried many responsiblities. That lump of wealth, and the influence to go with it, could be distributed as Commission purchases in the Army, University enrollments, gifts to tide people over the bumps and dips in life, and a lot of other means of helping less fortunate family and friends. It also gave them the ability to take on many unpaid roles in the local community. If an estate were split up evenly, it might be more equitable, but the recipients would have a much lesser social role.

Jason E.