[cantSpellSober]

> there would be no basis for surprise, of any degree

That's what the "somewhat" is for. Apologies again for your confusion.

[dragonwriter]

If it was mitigated somewhat, the effect would still exist.

The issue is the expression of surprise with the mere statement that the effect exists. I’m not confused, you said two things that don't make sense together in one post, each of which is perfectly clear.

[cantSpellSober]

> If it was mitigated somewhat, the effect would still exist

Agreed! I'm glad you now understand. I'm surprised it wasn't somewhat mitigated (first post).

[dragonwriter]

> I'm surprised it wasn't somewhat mitigated

How do you judge that it wasn't, as there is no information as to what the base rate would be if it wasn’t “sonewhat mitigated” by hiring processes.

[cantSpellSober]

Apologies, but it's already been exhausting enough reducing all your confusion. The study answers your question if you read it.