That's an interesting analogy, Michelle, and one I hadn't thought of. I haven't done theater, but I would expect non-speaking parts and background actors not to have to invest so much in their roles or to rehearse as much somehow. I may be wrong. But if so, the comparison would diverge there, since the lower ranked players are investing just as much time, effort, practice, and desire into their time on court.

But now that I think about it, so-called "character actors" who disappear in the background and serve as foil for the "stars" are a really good analogy. They may be on stage or screen for one scene, but they must adapt themselves to it completely.

Hmmm, and now I recall a documentary from 2013 about background singers (for the Rolling Stones, Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, etc.) titled "Sixty Feet from Stardom," that captured this "so close yet so far" dynamic well.

Thank you, Michelle! You've deepened my thought about the very thing I wrote about. That's quite a gift of a comment, my friend. Have a lovely day.