[SkyBelow]

>Is this really a sensible factor to consider?

Sensible or cognitive bias that is in play regardless if it is sensible? I've seen a little research on jobs that discriminate against people not currently employed, with longer periods of unemployment leading to greater discrimination. I haven't seen anything about if this is actually justified or not.

I've also heard of this in other areas, like with date, but I haven't been able to find any research and the topic borders some controversial areas that research has struggle handling.

My guess is that it does happen as a bias, related to peer pressure and following a crowd, but like with other biases, even if it makes sense in some cases historically it will lead to illogical behavior in our current society.