If I understand your post, implicit in what you are saying is that people skills and even the mere trait "not an asshole" is antithetical to technical competence, which I don't believe.
If that isn't what you're implying, then it seems you are putting up a false choice between merit and people skills.
Not at all. You are very clever in you attempt to deflect your false choice situation by accusing me of it.
In fact, I am suggesting that your notion of 0-tolerance for assholism is an extreme, no better than complete endorsement and rewards for assholism. If you are not suggesting 0-tolerance for assholism, then I appologize, it just seems that way since you respond to call for moderation and some tolerance with a rejection of that principle.
If that isn't what you're implying, then it seems you are putting up a false choice between merit and people skills.