Even if you manage to signal somehow (real or not doesn't matter) your finances, people start liking your money instead of you.
The most valuable social status, the type that actually matters, is the one you get from not caring about what people think of you, having massive fun and brightening the day of the people you interact with.
>Even if you manage to signal somehow (real or not doesn't matter) your finances, people start liking your money instead of you.
That's an argument about why financial status signalling is ineffective for true friendship and true happiness.
Not about whether financial status signalling happens or not.
Besides, many people don't care for "true friendship and true happiness" (or get that from other sources). They do their financial status signalling still, to advance themselves, have others kiss their ass, get women, and feel good by flaunting their money...
The most valuable social status, the type that actually matters, is the one you get from not caring about what people think of you, having massive fun and brightening the day of the people you interact with.