I think you are talking convenient examples and turning them into a generality. The very state of Ishgard society seems to tell a whole other story to me. The simple fact that the people in power are generally either 1) Clergy, and then 2) Nobles/aristocracy, is by essence contradictory with the principles of meritocracies.
As said above, every society can bring up a few meritocratic aspects, especially in the military. I could even agree to say that the Order of Knights Dragoons can be considered a true meritocracy, as opposed to all other ishgardian Knigthoods.
The whole existence of the convictory is not ideals, but political agenda. It brings purpose and hope to the masses and commoners, and at the same time promotes a martial culture of grandeur and glory where the rabble and the penniless can do the dirty fight the knights and nobles won't do themselves. It's a win win situation for both social spheres.
Ultimately, very few lowborns climb up the ranks by simply becoming a dragoon. Most stay in their misery or just common state, while a minority desperate enough will take arms and probably die in the cold outside.
Even the Scholasticate of St Endalim, which could have been seen as some sort of academic meritocracy (through studies and learning), was actually proven to be something else entirely in the last part of its related quests.
And I really doubt that your analogy, medieval Europe, is anything but close to meritocratic systems. Be it feudalism, royalty, or even merchant republics (those are more akin to Ul'dah).
Last not on bastard children, IRL, were actually proven to be very often very well doted and considered. Some were legitimate heirs, and some got prestigious careers in various affairs (clergy, military, etc). And some yes, were cast out or shunned, but that's a minority really. All in all, Aymeric fills pretty well the role of an average bastard from a king.
As said above, every society can bring up a few meritocratic aspects, especially in the military. I could even agree to say that the Order of Knights Dragoons can be considered a true meritocracy, as opposed to all other ishgardian Knigthoods.
The whole existence of the convictory is not ideals, but political agenda. It brings purpose and hope to the masses and commoners, and at the same time promotes a martial culture of grandeur and glory where the rabble and the penniless can do the dirty fight the knights and nobles won't do themselves. It's a win win situation for both social spheres.
Ultimately, very few lowborns climb up the ranks by simply becoming a dragoon. Most stay in their misery or just common state, while a minority desperate enough will take arms and probably die in the cold outside.
Even the Scholasticate of St Endalim, which could have been seen as some sort of academic meritocracy (through studies and learning), was actually proven to be something else entirely in the last part of its related quests.
And I really doubt that your analogy, medieval Europe, is anything but close to meritocratic systems. Be it feudalism, royalty, or even merchant republics (those are more akin to Ul'dah).
Last not on bastard children, IRL, were actually proven to be very often very well doted and considered. Some were legitimate heirs, and some got prestigious careers in various affairs (clergy, military, etc). And some yes, were cast out or shunned, but that's a minority really. All in all, Aymeric fills pretty well the role of an average bastard from a king.
Balmung:Â Suen Shyu