I love a good conspiracy theory!  This 'cadre of high echelon individuals' certainly aren't the gourmands one sees in 5 star accommodations and restaurants around the world. Or those enjoying $100 cigars during a round of golf, either.   Such a cadre, if it exists, would, in my opinion, be more likely to rely on Malthus' positive checks" which lead to 'premature' death: disease, starvation, war.