Inherited status is a different kind of status, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist or have merit.

Inherited status is an implication of advantage. Sure, YOU didn't out-compete the herd, but your creators did, and my knowing that /you/, through your parents, are the product of success is status for you, too.

Sure, earned success is /also/ a boost, but... let's not pretend like inherited success is a /detractor/.

Everyone weighs what they know with what they don't and assigns status.

Good looking? Plus! Overtly intelligent? Plus! Very awkward around people? Minus! Inherited status? Plus! Black sheep? Hm... If I respect the family's status then... Minus? If I don't then... Plus?

and so on.

We all know "it is a lot of factors" and quite obviously status is merely among them, including inherited status.