The main point is missing from the article: such rebels threaten the authority and career of seniors or other power dynamics at the organization. You propose s

The main point is missing from the article: such rebels threaten the authority and career of seniors or other power dynamics at the organization. You propose some new solution that may be somewhat better, but the existing system was designed by someone who seeks a promotion and is owed a favor by a superior for some reason. They may have insecurities around their existing system and feel the need to justify their high position and salary, even if they are now not as productive as the youngsters, because they may now have a family etc and don't have as much time and energy or whatever. In other cases the problem can be that the career risk-benefit balance is negative for the manager. Or they are planning on dragging out the improvements in smaller jumps, to demonstrate constant improvement over many years to optimize career advancement. If the improvement happens all at once and suddenly, it will look too simple and less credit that can be squeezed out of it. TLDR improving things can make some people look bad and they will fight you.