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As far as the "Eliteness" of a Space Marine is concerned I'm generally of the mindset that they're simply better than most. Their physiology combined with some of their preferred methods of engagement give them a massive edge over most conventional foes but in most situations they don't actually *need* a ton of numbers. They're not really an occupational force.
Also keep in mind that not every planet in the Imperium is under threat of Tyranid Invasion, Chaotic Uprising, Tau Influence, or some other ruinous fate. I'm sure there's plenty of worlds which are just normal places with normal people. Agri-Worlds, the rank and file worlds of the Imperium, etc... they might be counted in the overall population of the Imperium, if it's possible to count such a fluid and subjective statistic, but they might never even have a Marine vessel pass through their system.
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