I think it's just one of many qualities you can't separate from the other ones though. Like you said, finding a job with minimal financial and ownership constraints with carte blanche on staffing, easy media and fans, a cupcake division, and a long leash, etc is not viable... But finding a job with a few of those? Sure. Like let's take the White Sox. Ownership is funky, budget isn't great, but Reinsdorf stuck with Kenny for two decades, the AL Central is an easier division, fans and media are less fervent, the GM chose staff. Getz was an internal promotion but I could see a good FO candidate who may not be as concerned about spending for Boston but to where their unwillingness to get caught in a huge FA contract combined with everything else may be enough.
Or to be more cavalier, if they expect a win now GM but won't let them pursue S tier FAs, that could also be enough.