While I very much agree with your statement of the zero-sum problem (as I posted above), I interpreted the rules they came up with totally differently...
* All structures are owned by the state, everyone can use them, but only the person living there is allowed to decorate.
* Groups take priority over individuals.
* Everything must be the same, lest anyone feel superior/inferior.
I think the lesson they taught kids was terrible (it's better if everyone is the same), but I liked the way they taught it by challenging the kids to examine their own assumptions. The problem was merely that the kids were examining them based on flawed premises, as you stated.
Yeah. I very much agree. So, the logical next question is, how would we use the same technique to teach kids better lessons?
* Resources should go to whoever can make the coolest things with them.
* Groups lead to compromises, great art is made by individuals.
* People aren't equal. You can be unequal too, if you work hard.
