This is speculation but I'd bet there was some amount of less-than-voluntary aspect to the construction of at least some of the pyramids. As in "we'll pay you, but this is your job for the next 30 years while you're not harvesting."
TNG is the epitome of competence porn. With the exception of Barclay, everyone is pretty much extremely capable at all times except when the plot includes some space shenanigans that make them less so, like turning into kids or losing your psychic powers.
Problem is the pendulum did swing back but it swung to the "left" aka to neolibs. Now it's been broken and swung so far to the right that I hope it responds in kind next time around and we get actual progressives in office.
This is speculation but I'd bet there was some amount of less-than-voluntary aspect to the construction of at least some of the pyramids. As in "we'll pay you, but this is your job for the next 30 years while you're not harvesting."