There's a lot more to being in "tier 1" or whatever than exactly 4 years for the degree. 4.5 to 5 years if its a good GPA probably barely moves the needle, and is certainlly not enough to single haldedly drop someone a tier (unless everything else was marginal). They also look at the school itself as well as the major and of course GPA.

Some are trying to make it look like if one thing isn't absolutely perfect you're out before you're even in. Not even close.