> Empirically, ex-spies have a solid history in reaching commanding positions in politics and business.

But it's not because someone wants them there. It's because they can demand the position they want.

> it's not because someone wants them there. It's because they can demand the position they want

Zero evidence of this. And if they can demand that position from one, they can demand favors from others. I would count a background in espionage to be a net positive in a hiring process, provided dismissal was on good terms.