Ashoka as a Teacher of equality according to the Ashokavadana

In what ways and for what reason might this story form the Ashokavadana have appealed to various groups of early Buddhists? 

The appeal of this story from the Ashokavadana might have appealed to various groups of early Buddhists because of the lack of regard for social classes; it preached the idea of equality. This would attract any of the lower-class people who were in not so good shape. If equality was forced on everyone, the poor would not have to worry about their being in the lowest class. Also very important is Ashoka himself prostrated himself for Buddha and giving utmost respect to the monks. This made people really believe in it because someone such as the king, who is at the top of the social classes, went out of his own way to preach it.