If an unmovable mid level player is in the way, they can easily be promoted out. Increased pay and a bigger title to a sideline task is an easy fix, and while it may cost a small amount in extra pay and perks, it's cheaper than the damage of having someone in an unsuitable position or any legal action from a badly received demotion or sacking. It happens all the time in the political and state sectors (health, education, civil service, military, etc) in the West.