Ya this connection definitely is valid, but another reason for why those story's feature poor and abused is simply based on the underdog fallacy, which is essentially the tendency to support the underdog regardless of prior affinity to said person. Authors, knowingly or unknowingly will lean into this. Not to mention the population who wants to read rich man hero is far less. Even Batman needs some tragedy for nuance and support, or else the reader struggles to find a connection to the character.
As for this portion, you are 100% correct. I'll go a little further into the theory of maslows hierarchy of needs. Below is a diagram.
View attachment 149031
Essentially, as the individual moves up the triangle (starting from the base physiological needs) your focuses are on the next layer, continuing to self actualization. Self actualization essentially requires your real self to be your ideal self, and as a result is incredibly difficult, and I'd argue impossible(without completely lowering your standards which I believe we can't truly do). The hierarchy is kinda a tragic demonstration that no matter what we will never be fufulled. Something which supports this is the hedonic treadmill theory, which is the idea that we have a set, stable level of happiness, and no matter what we will return to this state after time. As such, increase of money, romance, etc while it can make slight changes, ultimately whatever initial highs we get from this will return to base. The exception is self actualization, and if you subscribe to these theories, then I'll provide a bit more support, as researchers have actually found an interesting loophole to the hedonic treadmill, plastic surgery. Essentially, studies have found successful plastic surgery genuinely increases long term happiness, and in terms of self actualization, it's because you look more like your ideal self. This same logic applies to working out, getting tattoos, and clothing. We are social creatures, and how others perceive us has value.
Anyways I'll stop rambling lmao. Hope this helps tho.