They performed a simple task: divide the population between skilled labor and unskilled.
Hardly a simple task. I don't think the division between skilled and unskilled was intended as the Amerika article uses it. It's just a division between people who work with their hands and those who don't. It doesn't mean they can't be talented at what they do or be good citizens. Besides, I don't think I've met anyone who I'd consider unskilled at anything at all unless you count the disabled.