Like a lot of things in life, judgement is required. To dismiss levels as "having no meaning" is to misunderstand their purpose and limitations. Someone being

Like a lot of things in life, judgement is required. To dismiss levels as "having no meaning" is to misunderstand their purpose and limitations. Someone being promoted to Staff, Senior Staff, Principal, Distinguished at top tech companies says a lot. On the other hand, getting hired into Staff means less. In all cases though, the specifics depend on a lot of (usually) nameless, faceless individuals who also are subject to their own biases. I'll tell you this though, having interviewed hundreds and hired dozens over the last 25 years: someone unilaterally declaring levels to be bullshit for the mediocre is a pretty strong negative signal about their ability to succeed in a large organization outside of specialist positions in research or other isolated roles that don't require cross-team or cross-functional influence.