If I had to guess I would say because ass kissing, covering and political savvy is how one advances in a corporate environment. Being competent at the required tasks of the position doesn't seem to rate at all. That's doubly true if one has a reputation of making suggestions for improvement (since those tacitly imply the current management isn't perfect).

Witness today's absurd backpatting on SotA which didn't include any slides about future aircraft delivery schedules or more international routes. But we do have great new lounges for people waiting for their flight to Cedar Rapids.