If you search those names you'll find most have a LinkedIn page proudly displaying their many "IBM Influencer" achievements and qualifications.
I realise LinkedIn is a surrealist caricature of corporate reality, but just imagine proudly displaying your #1 shill award for all to see
> I realise LinkedIn is a surrealist caricature of corporate reality
I don't think it's a caricature of reality at all, it very much is like the large US corps I've worked at.