An academic Great Gatsby Curve – How much academic success is inherited?

It's the Mathew principle all the way down.

Actually it's a bit worse, in the sense that if you exhibit competence without the "appropriate pedigree" all you'll get is punishment.

Not my experience at all, as a first generation college student, now research faculty at a highly regarded University.

"Pedigree" assumes many forms.

The fact that you are a "first generation college student" is irrelevant and conclusively shows that you do not understand what's at stake.

I can assure you, you are wrong.