(parent comment) The big idea behind conservatism is “let’s keep things how they’ve been” while progressives seek new solutions to problems

This is one way to think about it, and it mostly works because keeping things how they’ve been typically benefits those already in power. But this doesn’t always work as you’ve almost sorta pointed out (your specific example doesn’t work but others potentially could). That is to say, yes, it’s possible to “innovate” in the field of exploitation and if viewed from this perspective your argument makes sense.

That’s why the better way to view the big idea behind conservatism this way: Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition, to wit: There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect. – Frank Wilhoit