^^^I wouldn't be so quick to generalize all Catholics. IMO, even though they follow traditions and the veneration of saints, I would like to emphasize that this is not the case today. I believe that there is an expanding charismatic Catholicism movement in response to the growth of protestant evangelicals here in the PH. This charismatic Catholicism emphasizes many of the same themes as born again Christianity, including a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. So yep, I would not want to start offending RC by saying they are not true Christians. I am just very glad that there is an undergoing movement within RC which emphasize the truth why our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died in the cross.
In response to why we are the poorest, well that is by our earthly standards. As mentioned in so many replies in this thread, all earthly riches are temporary. And people tend to have different priorities in life coupled with a certain level of contentment, and maybe getting rich doesn't hit number 1 in their checklist.
And no, I don't think faith-based society pulls us down. America is largely influenced by the Western Tradition, and look where they are right now.