In my 20s I considered joining a Soto Zen Monastic order, I did formally recieve the Lay Precepts, and myself professed a Bodhisattva Vow , yet it was not for me. It is not that I disagreed or found the lifestyle I saw the Monks and Nuns live as unappealing...At that time in my life, it certainly was. But commitment to a organization was the main sticking point for me, as I saw some dysfunction in the system (similar in most, basic things that could prove more of a obstacle than a growth opportunity for many people)
I think I made the right decision for myself, yet many people do benifit greatly from a monastic life, it certainly is not for most people. And most monastics do not consider themselves elites in Their Faith, but do in the particular Organizations.