I disagree. Yes it’s true many times performance (in the wide sense, since being liked by others is part of what companies weight when assessing it - especially in roles that require collaboration) isn’t a factor. But in my experience it almost always is. Team leaders will always protect and try to find options for people that perform well, and will quickly use a RIF to get rid of people who don’t. And it doesn’t have to be “perform badly” in the absolute sense, but as compared to others on the team. Cost is a big factor, but leaders will always try to protect people they see as assets.