I struggle a bit with pieces like this because I genuinely am not trying to establish or gauge another person's status when I first meet them. And I really don't think I'm in denial on this. Outside of a business context, it doesn't feel all that important, nor does it feel in any way clear cut. What qualifies as higher status anyway? It's going to vary based on idiosyncratic values whether you are more impressed by a painter or a CEO or an academic or an activist or a caregiver etc.