And a contemporary view of such....

 
 
 
 
It would seem to me that the top and bottom of these classes (under both jurisdictions) are the ones that have the fun. The Nobleffe and the Nobility have little in terms of need (outside of upsetting the Royal Courts) and the lowest ranks have nothing to lose. It is only the middling ones (from Gentry to Mercantile) that have a form of shame, or a guilt in their lack of promotion, or being over regulated. Fortunately, there is your relief in not being a Peafant.