[Existenceblinks]

My interpretation of "optional" is note: if someone else checks the box, you are doomed.

[cosentiyes]

Slightly disagree, they're just providing one potential way to signal experience. I'm sure there are other ways not listed (firth author publications from tier 1 conferences or journals) that are more valuable. I think you're right that this could be used as a tie-breaker, all other things being equal.

[Existenceblinks]

Yeah, those bullets are really low point. A lot of off-guide in consideration going on (tbh, lots of bullshit)