I don't get the `SCIM doesn’t really have anything to do with data retention.`; if SCIM store data to sync between diff. integration / backend / ERPs / tools it is possibly impacted by data protection law like GDPR and co.
I believe that Eng. Manager and HR are mostly at fault for it, confusing seniority and familiarity as creating and giving higher title to keep people without doing the requirement part of the job: accessing the title, drawing a ladder linked to a skills matrix.
And then one authors of the book state: "if you know nothing about Scrum, implement everything as in the book, otherwise adapt to the situation and the team. If not you will surely fail [...]"
But being "Scrum.org certified PSM", how do you see your colleague from scrumalliance.org?