[haskell_melody]

I worked for a well-known "flat" company, and it was awful.

There is a point to hierarchy. There is great value to knowing who is more knowledgable and experienced, and who isn't expected to be. And it is nice to have a promotional process to aspire to and push you to become better at your job.

[vfinn]

Being "more knowledgable" isn't one dimensional, and manager doesn't know most about everything. Actually, probably everyone in the workplace knows the most about some subject-matter, niche or not.

[munificent]

Jo Freeman's famous "The Tyranny of Structurelessness" seems relevant:

https://www.jofreeman.com/joreen/tyranny.htm

Overly rigid hierarchies can be bad, but hidden hierarchies which arise without formal consent or guidance can often be worse.

[k__]

Yes, the problem isn't hierarchy but useless management.

[drewcoo]

Mismanagement can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. And we will inevitably blame the shape and size. Anything else would be rude and anti-social.