I want to believe the message was interpreted in the right context. Work as a prove of faith is not a test for economy balances. These imbalances as you have listed in your examples have always been in existence since the fall of man. Work as a proof of faith is acknowledging God's given grace that empowers us to do what we are able to do and not what our solo effort(hard labour) can do.

Your view reminds me of the parable on talents. The talent in this case isnt necessarily a fiat currency. The talent is more of commitment(work) and faith. Some have been blessed with many not because they laboured very hard for it while some are given just a few not because they merited less. But because God's grace is sufficient for all that work in faith.