> Management is the same way. It's a different field. Yet somehow we have this idea that if you do well enough in some other field, "advancing" into management is a logical next step. It makes no sense.

It can make sense.

A leader needs the respect of those she/he leads. It is easier to command respect when you are perceived as a technical expert or authority.

Promoting the Dilberts to bosses is an attempt at giving the engineers what they say they want: bosses with Dilbert's engineering skills.