Maybe you need to redefine your perception of "high life" for a former runner? There are plenty of examples in the books that have been released over the years of runners "living it up" by retiring only so they can run a bar, or a diner, or live comfortably and not get shot at.
Being a Prime Runner could just as easily be about being well known and connected (which, at 150 karma, with a large contact network and knowledge of a lot of things is certainly the case) as opposed to living it up with a Permanent Luxury Lifestyle, millions of nuyen, and all the wiz gear.
Just go with it, man. It's not going to change, so why waste energy being upset about it? Try playing as a character who has to struggle for his meal ticket, who runs because he HAS to and not because he wants to. Or don't; but stop complaining about "unfairness" and "should" when the campaign clearly has been developed with other goals in mind, and just play Missions with your own modifications.
I intend to play it as described, a lower-level campaign than usual, with some additional challenges; and, judging from the fun I've had creating my character and laying plans for where I want to take him, I'll have lots of fun in the process. Your mileage may vary, so feel free to ignore this advice like I'm sure you will...