In *every* hierarchy, the smarter/more ambitious will crawl to the top. Thus *every* system is a meritocracy of some form. The issue is how incumbents are held accountable and the structure of the ladder... https://twitter.com/jcbonthedl/status/1313250491179192322 …
If the competition is judged by people and not results of some kind (and it is) then the people judging will prefer to pick someone non-threateningly smart. The one thing these people can identify and resent is someone smart and competent. Ruthless dimwits are what's selected.