actual historical correctness This is silly and trivial. Two reasons: [1] The phrase is the analog of an idiom. It is shorthand for "hierarchy" and used as su

actual historical correctness This is silly and trivial. Two reasons: [1] The phrase is the analog of an idiom. It is shorthand for "hierarchy" and used as such. The parent is explaining its use. [2] There are many tribal organizations. This cuts both ways. Provided there is a single one that was historically rank-hierachical, the data is not even a counterfactual. [3] Provided [2] is ok, so is [1]. We know [2] is ok. Hence, the comment is logically ~gratuitous. See, for example: http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/too+many+chiefs+and+not+enough+indians.html http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/too+many+chiefs...