I don’t think the price is what bugs him so much as the newly-diminished elite status of the blue check.

You seem to really misunderstand the purpose of the blue checkmark. It isn't to broadcast status, it is to help reduce impersonation and fraud.

You'd think the Elon, having a notable and active Twitter account, would realize how bad it is even with those measures in place.

Exactly. That's why its so ridiculous.