The modern system is only unique in that enough non-elites ALSO get something from the system that it is not universally loathed and despised as a tool of oppression.
The debate now is more between neo-feudalist elites and those elites who still believe in the industrial state.
Given that, I'd argue that the "elites buy our politicians" argument is not so useful, and that the "neo-feudalist elites set the terms of debate and prevent the arguments of any other elites from being heard" is the bigger problem.
