I think two things you are overlooking is (1) not all engineers want to manage others, and (2) not everyone who "learns business" can be a good manager. Forcin

I think two things you are overlooking is (1) not all engineers want to manage others, and (2) not everyone who "learns business" can be a good manager. Forcing engineering people into management roles after they have accrued a certain amount of experience is not the answer.