Why would they be called “elite” if they weren’t stronger?
Elite:A select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society.
I fail Engrish though.
They’re elite in the same way skills can be elite in GW2 and were elite in GW1. You can have only one of them equipped at a time. They’re “superior” to normal specializations in that they grant access to equipment and skills not normally available to the class.