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Sounds like you've been subject to people who suffer from the Peter Principle perhaps?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_principle

You've not worked with the French..

> I don't really know of a defense other than ...

One way is to make sure you (a) provide real value and (b) know how to convey that knowledge effectively in tense situations. If you're not sure you provide real value, then BS talk may be your only hope. Even if you know you provide value, you need to be able to convince others of this or else you may be in trouble.