You really expect a freshie people lead can handle the heated discussion that goes through a talent discussion and fight with those experienced one to show you deserve this and that? lol.

I won't discount there are L9s who are damn good at this due to their experience in such area in their project but these L9s will move up the ladder damn fast also, within 1-2years they're L8 already. But instead you want those L9s who got promoted along the flow to be your PL just because they have more time for you? Maybe 4yrs later u hit L9, your PL just hit L8 for half a year or what nia. LOL