Private
There are powerful muggles too, I suppose. The most powerful of them back home is a woman. Queen Victoria. In the magical community, though, the strength of one's magical bloodline is most important. Although wealth makes a great difference too, I can hardly deny that.
Yes, and I could easily curse you, but there's no sense in making threats for no reason. I'm not calling you miss to feel good about myself. That sounds nonsensical. If I wanted to puff up my own pride I'd try to tell you to call me 'sir' and bow to me or some such foolery. I'm polite to you because it's the gentlemanly thing to do.
There are lots of creatures in the Everdale forest, and plants that you can eat, too. When it's a little warmer you should visit the market, though.
I don't suppose there is much that we can do about it, unfortunately. Nothing that wouldn't make matters worse. I find lots of the things that muggles do monstrous. I'm certainly no supporter of the navy.