This whole system begs the question how the Ilclan will shape the Inner Sphere. While each state has a form of "caste system" (the Confederation especially but in other states your heritage basically gives a guideline where you might end) you still have the possibility of social mobility (upwards or downwards) based on your ability. Simply strapping this system over it will imho not work. The Ravens have perhaps one of the extremes by simply letting the Outworlds do their thing as long as the Ravens lead but even the most integrated (the Bears) have still parts of their old ways. I mean for example in our time you might start your career as a plumber but you could work your way up to a business owner in said industry or perhaps even achieve something else (and you have the freedom to do so).
C: WoK has evidence that working adults move up the Clan caste system in a few different ways.
One is the Ritual of Adoption, the mechanism by which adults in other castes join the warrior caste. Given this example, it’s possible there are mechanisms for adults to move from their current caste to other castes besides the warrior caste, but we simply don’t know them.
Another is the existence of science councils, merchant conclaves, technician guilds, and laborer assemblies within each clan and their scientist general, merchant factor, master technician, and senior laborer leaders. These leaders and governing councils are elected.
And a third is the fact that each caste consists of 25 grades. (There are also less clear references to “dozens” of subcastes.). Those who exceed their work targets rise in grade. Those who do not fall in grade. Those who do not work starve. Higher grades receive more credits to spend within the Clan economies.
Would that work in the Clan system (not to mention if said system even allows the creation of businesses not owned by a Clan)?
Although Clan castemen are provided lodging, food, and credits based on their caste, grade, assigned work, and performance, it’s all ultimately communal property belonging to their Clan and only temporarily to the individual. There is no “Smith Family Lasers” corporation. Instead it’s “Laser Facility Sigma Alpha”. That said, there is lots of entrepreneurial activity and investment within and between the merchant castes. It’s not a top-down communal system, and civilian castes and councils can and do undertake initiatives and new activities that are akin to businesses. Examples include the Falcon merchant caste investing in the activities of the other clans, Bear asteroid mining techniques and new wheat strains, Scorpion undersea mining, the Fox/Shark/Foxes and harjel, etc.
