u are not wrong in that it boils down to one's capability. That's one of the factors. But if u go deeper, it is the same reason why some had gone to certain unis and the rest did not. The other factor being that where one comes from counts. It adds up in terms of CEP and progression. It is too simplistic to think that it is not a factor. Similarly, i wont argue that being a non-scholar, i can outshine an AO if i am more capable than him/her. It just doesnt work that way.