I'm beginning to think that Bingley was given his fairly recent connections to trade to show that Darcy's friendship with him makes his opposition to Lizzy's family more a disparagement of their conduct than solely based on their connections. I feel Darcy had a prejudice against country folk in general but his association with the Bingleys shows that he is willing to make an exception where he chooses. This, IMHO, keeps his proposal and amiable attitude toward the Gardiners from being too much of a stretch or too sudden to render it unbelievable. Any thoughts?