Hi Sean,

I think I finally understand your point. I am not at all arguing against advisors from outside academia. In fact, I hope the finance minister has advisors from the private sector, from unions, etc. I think there is great merit in having a plethora of opinions as advice. But, and this is the crucial point of my article, don't take a 'manifesto' as a serious piece of advice just because the author is an Associate Professor. I think titles don't mean anything, it's the quality of the work you do that matters. And Malikane's work has been most underwhelming according to standards which I think are easily measurable and by and large fair (we disagree on this point, I think, but I haven't heard a better idea either).

I have worked at a central bank and been an advisor at a couple of others so I know the great work economists do in these institutions even if they are not publishing in academic journals. 

Good talking to you, let's stay in touch.

Best,
Co-Pierre