]Elizabeth is ironically willing to perform the same type of obsequious toadying that Mrs. Clay does on an hourly basis in order to improve her standing in society.

In this she is consistent. I find the inconsistency in how Elizabeth believes family conections must be preserved with Lady Dalrymple and Miss Carteret (while ignoring her own sister), and that she has a deference for rank, while prefering the company of a nobody over that of a baronet's daughter (Anne). :-)