Let me just say something: You can never counter elitism.

Elitism exists in any forms where there is a competition. Look at the nintendo game super smash bros. It's sopposed to be a 'fun' game to enjoy with your friends with silly items and characters. Yet there's an 'elitism' in it where there's meta-game rules of "no items" and "character bans" and what not for competitive tournaments (which offers you cash for winning... at least).

In an MMO: As long as there's that top tiered item and class variety there'll always be elitism. Whatever classes DPSes the highest with whatever gearset, the elitists will always consider that set the 'norm'.

The only- I repeat- THE ONLY way to counter elitism is to make everyone the same character, have only one skill, and have starting gear that's also the best gear.

There's your elitism counter, and quite frankly, that makes the game 'bland'.