There are too many well-educated, compassionate, clever people out there for “nobody else can do it but this specific abusive asshole” to stand up as an argument.
Also one is dealing with far ends of the bell curve by definition - there may not be a replacement with every desired trait. Overfiltering on the irrelevant is the action of literal historical losers like trying "German Physics" or Lysenkoism instead of Bourgeoisie genetics.
Not to mention there are plenty of non-savant assholes in charge - if we want to get rid off assholes wouldn't it make sense to oust the savants last as they have actual utility above the norm?
Part of it might be the "unreasonable man" effect based upon the Shaw quote paraphrased as "A reasonable man adapts to the world while the unreasonable man persists in trying to adapt the world to himself - therefore all hope of progress rests upon the unreasonable man.
Essentially making advances ahead of everyone else requires disregarding what everybody else thinks and not being deterred. So not caring what the naysayers think kind of becomes a prerequisite. One can dissent and not be an asshole but patience is limited.
That can be a hazard for assholishness which combined with some level of obsessiveness means many probably fall into the category of being considered assholes rightfully or not.
The perception itself of being an asshole is itself biased towards the status quo - just look at Eartha Kitt's blackballing over answering the question of the why juvenile delinquency and disaffection was on the rise by pointing out the dissatisfaction over the Vietnam war and being called to give their lives for it.
If we were all nice people who don't mind being last, we wouldn't be "here" now.
Of course, the "non-abusive population" (you name it) have done great things, they help maniacally driven people like Musk to archive things, but they are the ones who lack the assertiveness and initiative, they're the cogs in the machine.
In my mind, this guy should just have "walked it off". But I've developed a thick skin because of my past.
The mind is delicate and fuzzy.