(1) True. However, I was making an assumption for sake of the argument to take it out of the equation. (2) Even large companies have needs that wouldn't allow

(1) True. However, I was making an assumption for sake of the argument to take it out of the equation. (2) Even large companies have needs that wouldn't allow them to hire 5 great individuals for a singular position. You seem to just be complicating the argument with undue thoughts about the position and a company. My post was trying to remove the job-specific factors and think about how personality and looks affect hiring. (3) I've interviewed a lot of people for various positions that were all capable, that when it finally came down to it we argued more over team fit than anything else. If you had a grumpy, divisive individual or a friendly, articulate individual, which would you chose? This happens in 'A' player companies as much as any. (4) I'm not assuming anything about attractiveness of an individual. I merely presented a couple (albeit somewhat loaded) questions to invoke a conversation.