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does the rise of Sam really fly in the face of a class structure?~tp
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And that is a good question...I would still say he does.
You make a finely argued point that Sam does despite starting out as a servant, does display moments of 'superiority' which in time allows him to rise to a higher class. However, I would still say he did break 'social barriers.'
Because, at least in a caste system, it doesn't matter if you're superior to the 'ruling elite' or not, you stay in that classification for the rest of your life...and your children stay there as well. Members of the lowest caste are even forbidden to be seen in public around the 'upper classes' and other restrictions. So, the class barriers are very rigid and there is no room for mobility at all.
I agree that I think Sam's case was a rare occurence and it's just not something that happens all the time. As much as we would like to believe in the idea that anyone can improve their status. Reality is (even a system that isn't a caste system), the class you are born in is the class you stay in. Because those of the upper ruling class have better oppurtunity and more resources (money) to keep them at the top. While those on the bottom are faced with all sorts of 'barriers' to prevent them from rising up to the next class.
To look at it on a positive side, unlike the caste system, at least there is an oppurtunity to rise. As little as that chance may be, the oppurtunity is there for even the slightest bit of social, political, and economic ability. But last I heard in 2004 in the U.S only 4% moved out of their class (either upwards or downwards). I agree that mobility from one class to the next is a rare occurance (just like we see with Sam), but the oppurtunity is there.