As I read over the comments I couldn't help but think this was a normal thing to happen to people in office spaces. People not getting along with higher up and being fired/held back. People not knowing how to "play" the game so they never move up. The wrong people being chosen for positions over others even though they didn't deserve it. I think working remotely makes it so you have to put effort in places that would naturally happen in cubical farms. Small talk and showing interest in people outside of work life seem to go much farther then being a good worker. Making every experience people have with you a pleasant one. Making people feel like they can tell you their dumbest idea without fear you will slap them for saying something stupid. These seem to be key to moving around in a company vs any other way I have experience.