I agree that the differences between individuals are greater than the institutions in this case. However, it appears to me that in most academic settings, one

I agree that the differences between individuals are greater than the institutions in this case. However, it appears to me that in most academic settings, one does not move up two or three tiers (assistant/associate professorships to chaired professorships, which are the new positions in this case) at once to a peer university at the top level, unless one makes an earth-shattering contribution, say an equivalent of the first successful self-driving car. Apparently the Pearsons want four faculty members at the chaired professor level at this institute and two of the appointees to chaired professorships, though could be brilliant, do not yet have that level of name recognition in the field. I believe the Pearsons argument is valid in this case unless the field’s criteria for promotion is very different from science, engineering, and computer science. What do you think?