Well in real life government military contractors are the ones creating this technology. In real life people can be bribed, military secrets stolen, and wealthy individuals can place themselves up on enormous positions of power and influence, even to the point of buying a pres. election.
In real life money greases wheels. Those caps ships are built by workers. Are those workers paid well? There are a whole list and reasons of how a rich individual supported by several other rich individuals can gain power. Look at all the military and financial coupes going on in the world right now.
Interesting point, but I disagree with your logic.