I don't think it's nonsense the think it's possible, and not too implausible, that influential people placed on a Board due to their influence may actually have

I don't think it's nonsense the think it's possible, and not too implausible, that influential people placed on a Board due to their influence may actually have used that influence, or that their influence played a passive part in this. (see my other response on that.) Let's part ways on this topic though: You seem to be verging close to personal attacks, and so we've passed the point of useful discussion.