Whales do exist, but let's not forget that they aren't the elite chosen by the system, but rather ordinary people like us who took risks in the early days.
Bitcoin doesn't close its doors to anyone. Anyone, from anywhere, can participate without discrimination. This is the difference from the old system, which was full of privilege.
So, in my opinion, Bitcoin isn't creating a new elite; instead, it's dismantling old monopolies and opening up equal opportunities for everyone.
The opportunity to get rich from buying a small amount is gone though. If someone wants to become part of this new elite, they have to work on it and work hard.
I think it is a limitation that people who do not even have bank accounts can have their own Bitcoin wallets. You don't even need to have passbooks or something, and you could still send and receive Bitcoin. It's most likely that all are equal, but the opportunity to buy it is different for everyone. It depends on what aspect it is, in my opinion.
Inequality usually refers to financial inequality, not access to financial services. Sure there are a lot of people who don't have bank accounts, but they are better off without them anyway. If a person can manage to live without an account, they should.