Exactly. The focus on grit and the anti-Matthew effect (i.e., “the rich get richer) framing is bizarre. Uncaptured differences between the two groups seem much

Exactly. The focus on grit and the anti-Matthew effect (i.e., “the rich get richer) framing is bizarre. Uncaptured differences between the two groups seem much more likely, at least to me, than some personality trait. For example, suppose you have a lot of non-NIH resources (startup, foundation grants, etc). You might be more comfortable submitting an unpolished grant, knowing that while it would be great to have it funded on the first round, you can survive a while longer if you have to. On the other hand, the lab which burns all of its startup funding to push one grant over the payline is in a weaker position, Especially if that grant doesn’t open up new directions for the renewals.