Most claiming 2nd-tier (postformal) are really just formal operations

This IPS thread on ascertaining 2nd-tier has set me off again, as witnessed by recent posts (like here and here). So recall this article called "The mean green meme hypothesis" by Todoric. An excerpt:

"When compiling and analyzing the data, an interesting dimension came to light -- Yellow false positive. [...] Selections of statements intended to elicit Yellow appear to be reflecting a more sophisticated form of Orange instead. [...] This might explain much of the 'second tier' elitism coming from MGM advocates [...] [that] results in a drive to convince self, and others, of living at 'second tier' (if such a thing actually exists!)" (4-5).