He is backtracking on many of his transhumanistic ideas as he realized that is a can of worms.

He wouldn't need these actions for popularity. Most people don't like him anyway because he is the richest guy in all of history. He could do anything and he would still be just as unpopular. I've seen it every time I read news on him commented on social sites: even this piece of news which is ostensibly positive.

Gates got rich under the epidemic, I truly wonder how. (Not really). He is also saying he will protect the Ukrainian internet from cyber attacks. O RLY? He can't protect computers and servers he owns or controls and he will protect a whole country? And he wants people to believe it?

Musk on the other hand kept losing money on Tesla and Space X and had to keep investing from his winnings elsewhere before making a profit. Which he made before the epidemic. Remember he isn't in the health business. Unlike Gates.

I agree that Branson seems to have a better taste in women.

But basically I'm just not comfortable with what I see as cheap shot criticisms of the mega rich just because they're mega rich. Criticism of what they did to get rich, or do once rich is different: Gates, Sonos, Buffet, organized crime. Even criticism of Trump's political positions. Politicians in general are not themselves mega rich (some exceptions such as Berlusconi, and if you want Trump) but politicians control state resources and that increases their influence beyond money itself.

What about McAfee? He wasn't in the same league for wealth as the aforementioned, but his lifestyle was quite something. I also don't believe the official version of his death but that's not the point here.