As Rav Hutner ZT’L used to point out – every utensil in the Bais HaMikdash had some kind of Avodah done with it. Except the Aron. The Aron did nothing but exist. The Aron represents the Talmid Chachom, the container of the Torah. It does not need to do any act. Its very presence is its success.
Absolutely true, well known concept. I understand very well that not every bochur is up to learning full time or rosh yeshiva or mechanech material. I’d never argue that they aren’t worty. Just as all the keilim of the beis hamikdosh were holy. But the concept of ben torah does have the cahet of being special. The infntry foot soldier would never say that he is a general. He is needed, the general, great as he may be, can’t function without a foot soldier. But still, he is the general. Mahn malka rabbonon.