Ah, now that explains a lot.

I don't know how it is in the States (since I live in Germany) but if there's nothing to gain for Rodney he would of course not want it.

Well, in this case: is there anything higher for him to achieve in his (academic) career beyond the two PhDs he already has? Aside from a nobel prize, of course. ;-)

Well, I guess not and if that's the case it makes perfect sense that it's always only John who we see having reached a higher rank in his professional career.

Thanks for clarifying. :-)