Honestly, the whole appraisal system is pretty much corrupt. It is FOUNDED on corruption, despite the sick rhetoric from USPAP about "ethics". You can't really enforce ethics, unless the facts are supported by unequivocal evidence. You need standards that go far beyond ethics. The messages bandied about by corrupt leaders are often extremely subtle, mostly a hint of negative repercussions - if you, the clearly subservient player, the one without the cards, do not play along with the manager's advice, the established status quo, regardless of conflicts with standards and guidelines. --> They have no problem letting go of subordinates because this is not a profession of questioning the status quo, suggesting better ways, or doing things as you see fit - all of which presumes competence - which is rare in this industry.
You can't argue against the profession, as it is at heart, to the core, more incompetent than competent, more corrupt than ethical. And most of all entrenched in the same methodology as of 30+ years ago.