Best among equals

An esteemed reader mentioned that Xiangqi sets made of plastic or cheap wood with paper boards are quite inexpensive, while Weiqi equipment can be quite expensive. Can this difference be taken as a sign of their different social status?

The answer is no, there is no social status difference for this matter. The Xiangqi sets can be made as expensive as one would like to. Instead of plastic or cheap wood, it can be made of gold or silver.

Both games are attractive and intellectually challenging. Both are as difficult (or as simple) for lifelong pursuing and / or researching.