I believe Elias is very smart and I am sure he did his homework on the Angelos family, before he took this job. I am sure he laid out a detailed plan, that entailed cutting the major league team to the bone, financially while investing the money in the farm system, analytic department, international signings, etc. I believe that the sons have allowed him to do exactly what he planned.
If the team begins to improve, I believe the brothers then take center stage as we see, if they will increase the payroll allowing Elias and company to augment the team.
I know we're all just speculating on how we think things will unfold. But I will say this, aside from the first few years after they took over the team, the Angelos family has always loved any GM whose interview for the job included the phrase, "I will slash payroll and build up the farm system." Say "I want to slash payroll" and you've got the job.