In the absence of those factors, I feel as though I'm being told not to get above myself.

you are.

i'm just guessing here, but i'm betting none of those people have phd's, and probably aren't closely related (blood or otherwise) to someone who has one.

if you make a photo list for her majesty, i'm certain she'll go out and chew on their ankles for you. (of course, getting ankle height photos of people might be a problem...)