Mike Solana

Yes but still question remains why hasn't the ability to produce such a brand been disrupted? Plus one could easily see a university as a "tool" that produces brand and signal competence and high social status

Elite schools were among the first so they had first mover advantage. Additionally, it's not really clear at which point it was necessary to have a degree to be offered an elite job/status. President Lincoln didn't have a degree but by the turn of the century it seemed required

At some point, I'm sure the colleges learned and/or intuited the laws of supply and demand. With the idea of a pure meritocracy only the "best of the best" would be accepted into these said schools the value of the brand could be preserved by those accepted. Like diamonds Xn10

Are there any mega donors that have taken this on as a project, i.e. getting involved in ops to try to get their alma mater to #1? Perhaps the university system is intolerant of the aggressive personalities needed to make this happen?

Not quite. People buy goods and services using pretty similar motivators. Tech co MSFT was able to sell inferior products, starving competitors, on the basis of their brand. Companies hire graduates of "top" universities expecting those students are prepared for the workplace.

Having faith in Silicon Valley to disrupt a market is the new religion.