I don't think the big writers on here are elitist. I think they're probably just busy. And some of those who've built big followings might be making a living writing here and on other platforms, so they need to focus on the writing side. I know it's nice when people acknowledge comments, and even better still if they hop over to read your work, but there must come a point when you reach a certain level of success on Medium that it's impossible to keep up, and then they'll just read what they want from their favourite writers, I guess. Everyone's individual with their own priorities. There may be individuals who come across as elitist, but I can't think of one who stands out to me as like that.