Can we consider the notion that a society could be fair and just without necessarily being equal?

The problem is that in practice, the imposition of equality either leads to deeper inequalities because of corruption, or a race to the bottom- the lowest common denominator. The Harrison Bergeron scenario which looms larger every time I turn on the TV! Some people are smarter than others, some more physically competent, etc, etc. The only equality which is actually needed is the one that allows all of us to make the best use of our individual abilites and gifts.