There isn't a link, only someone inside of 343 would know. Let's just say a friend told me and he wasn't allowed to reveal more. He had friends inside of 343 which "apparently" said that it was because of a contract that bound them together.
Indeed, that would be toward their own not towards humans or "Elites". Also, that is according to cannon, I'm talking about the Sangheili that are at play, I'm talking about the dishonourable "Elites" that have tainted the Sangheili name. I show no "honour" or respect to these traitorous, warmongering imposters. They deserve none.
Finally, please define your definition for honour and "putting someone down". Yours does seem to differ from mine.
Overall, I would say that I am a Sangheili due to my unwavering loyalty to them in-game over the past several years. A true Sangheili follows the seven virtues, those who do not are not a Sangheili but an "Elite". It is as simple as that. I cannot say that I am perfect, but I have corrected the error of my ways.