There is some context lacking with the notions that PhDs do not have common sense (if that is what I gather the idea is on this thread). Many of them are not in a position to not follow the rules; when you are in academia pursuing these paths because you believe you are going to serve a good cause, you have sacrificed a tremendous amount to continue your studies including financial and other forms of support. Not everyone is a legacy admission at an Ivy League. Many of these students come from vulnerable backgrounds and have been advanced because there is no one running interference on their behalf so they can be easily controlled. Some are from other countries. It is easy to make assumptions about this crowd but they are exactly that: assumptions. From my perspective, most of these people are/were victims.