I understand your point, and agree with it (for the most part).
I'm not sure I agree about your stance on Science Fiction-Fantasy television shows and their portrayal of different social/economic classes.
Regardless of what setting the television show is in, if it attempts to talk about people that are in different social classes, and how that affects their lives, I think it's valid.
Dark Angel has a lot of direct and distinct contrast between the working-class and the elite. Just because it's set in a world that doesn't exist now doesn't mean that there is that contrast between the two social classes, and that the issues raised aren't issues people are facing today.
But yes, it is a little depressing. The same can be said for realistic (non-Villian) portrayals of people who are transgender, etc. It used to be said about other types of discrimination as well.
Thanks for making me think on this very very hot Saturday evening.