Socialism and Justice

   It seems I've understood why the masses are drawn to socialism.
   Today's capitalism, with its extensive social programs, offers no less in terms of social protections. Economically, socialism is a priori not competitive - this was known by everyone, from Marx to Stalin. Moreover, socialism is fraught with the persecution of dissenters, imprisonments, and murders. This is also well known.
   So, where does this attraction come from?
   Ideally, with capitalism we live in a meritocratic society where power belong to people selected according to their merits. Essentially, it's an elitist society. Elitist in terms of abilities and talents. And this is wonderful!
   But not for everyone. For people of average qualities and abilities, all social elevators are closed in such a society.
   But in socialism, they are wide open!
   Under real Soviet developed socialism, quite average individuals ascended to all levels of power, and this situation was supported by the entire structure of soviet society.
   So, what is more "just"?