In terms of what Q says about cures etc.
If I were the elite and thought people were equal to sheep or animals.
I would use bio weapons testing on sheep and people.
I would run secret studies on people to test cures for my friends and family, using the people I dont care about as Guinea pigs. I would have control groups who got no cure and deliberately infect them. That sort of thing. Then I would take the worst performing treatments, sell them to the people, keep the cure secret and extend my power over the people.
Pretty sure this is what is happening.
Populous treated as throw away test lab.
When the masses find out, the elite will be exterminated. Completely.