[armed10]

You have a point, although it is more likely that the success of a hierarchical management style is more closely related to the effectiveness of the person in charge. Given that the one in charge isn't being undermined by next-in-command. Note: followers.

In my hypothesis I was already assuming a somewhat perfect leader and followers, which is impractical at best and unrealistic.

I do think it's time that people start valuing the individual more than the team. In my experience a team is usually less effective then the sum of its parts.