Have you ever read https://books.google.com/books/about/Feuding_Conflict_and_Banditry_in_Ninetee.html?id=IXXQJAdFBdMC ?
Pre-state Europeans had inequality, but those with the most found themselves expected to pay more for goods, and in court settlements, and to be the first to offer an olive branch in conflicts and charity in times of trouble.
Somali Xeer traditional law has similar quirks - if two herds of camels reach a waterhole at the same time, the smaller herd drinks first, as the owner of the smaller herd would be harmed more by the loss of any of his stock.
Negative feedback is baked into every traditional culture regarding inequality.
