Neoliberal is not the same as a liberal btw.

Liberals are more closely related to an egalitarian. I refuse to acknowledge it as a dirty word because, at the root of it, it’s something everyone wants. While others argue about economic systems a liberal knows that human rights are the most important and that the economy will always be run by assholes especially if we continue to let psychopaths rule us. Power corrupts and that power must be checked with brutal opposition.

Neoliberals are sometimes like you said though. Wealthy and high ranking, they may share the ideas of a liberal but they are part of the status quo. Well off and comfortable they typically don’t push as hard as is needed to effect change, but that is due to outside forces that are against doing anything beneficial for the people. You essentially need a ton more neolibs to gain ground from behind some of the good ones