I wouldn't say zero incentive - I'd imagine they're still being evaluated according to established standards for close rates, which would explain why their close rates are described as in line with guidelines. The problem is having people take more time to close cases doesn't necessarily mean they're being more thorough - they could simply be waiting longer to start an equally superficial review because they know that they're supposed to be hitting a given close rate and don't want to appear to rush. Basically, time with eyes on application isn't necessarily equal to time elapsed from receipt to close.

Exactly. If 45 minutes is the established lower bar for determining disability qualification by (non medical?) professionals, I would expect to see some meaningful difference in the average time and the lower bar. To me, having a standard close rate is zero incentive for each qualified individual