Not really. FAANGs - and few more - have been doing for a time longer than I know of. https://qr.ae/pv58mp
> Companies that stack management on top of IC are basically forcing their best engineers to either go into management or leave for a company that doesn't do this. Again, not really! Amazon does stack rank and they can't afford to force out their best engineers. I'm aware their culture is demanding and that's purpose built, but that does not imply what you are saying. Check their levels here - https://www.levels.fyi/companies/amazon/salaries/software-en...