I've personally experienced this. Your analysis is way too accurate for my comfort. It goes much deeper, but even making a phone call to get something done: when in management, people respond quicker and more positively. When I was a new employee, just forget about it. They are going to wait until your manager calls with the same request. It's rediculous. Guess which one is the HiPo and LoPo? Trick question, they're both me. They are both everyone.