[hitch1978]

I think the problem I have with this theory is this.

Yes, I agree that the skills that this shows are extremely important in a position of decision making power. The problem comes from a giant sweeping statement ; "If you cannot do it, you should be dismissed out of hand regardless of any other factors."

That's the bit that makes it less arguable, in terms of whether the skills are important. You've set the rules of the game up in such a way that you are not asking how important these skills are, you are saying there is not room for them to be anywhere less than 100% important. Like say, 99.99% important.

And yes I am aware that quantifying it as X% important is ridiculous.