I can shed a little bit of light on this and please forgive me if its already been stated.
In the case of rishtay, there is no dating or observation period. So, when you talk about morals, character, honesty, good heart, etc...it doesnt make much sense because these are not things that can be proven with a document or a piece of paper. You cannot prove to parents that you have high morals with just words...they need to see proof of your dedication to life, success, responsibility, etc.
A degree, employment, maybe some success in life says this individual is ready for marriage and commitment to his family. He can support a household, he has the ability to stay focused on a goal and actually acheive it.
You're right, some parents may be looking for status, money, doctors, lawyers, etc. However, Im pretty sure this is where it stems from. Again, how do you prove your capabilities to a girl's parents when they dont even know you? How are they supposed to know you're a good Muslim? You could be a Jew with 15 wives and grow weed in your apartment for all they know.
so if u own a good business, you are pretty much consider a good rishta. So, as a guy i should mainly focus on girls looks cuz anything else she or her family says could be lie and shoudlnt be taken seriously. So, whats the point of meeting and getting to know each other a lil b4 marriage.. chances are they are all lies..
What if you are a man in Pakistan (low illiteracy rate) who wants to teach kids, he gets a degree and becomes a teacher. Would that be a good rishta.. proof of dedication, responsibility, but most ppl wouldn`t care.
What if you are a man who wants to teach ppl about islam, is that not goodÉ
What if you become a good policeman is that not good, who would be risky his life for ppl safety. I think it;s a very good profession if u are a honest man. Same thing when doctors, you are only good if you do your job with honesty.
this topic reminds me of following quotes, which seems so true
If women didn't exist, all the money in the world would have no meaning.
Money may be the husk of many things but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintance, but not friends; servants, but not loyalty; days of joy, but not peace or happiness.