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Being "more knowledgable" isn't one dimensional, and manager doesn't know most about everything. Actually, probably everyone in the workplace knows the most about some subject-matter, niche or not.

Jo Freeman's famous "The Tyranny of Structurelessness" seems relevant:

https://www.jofreeman.com/joreen/tyranny.htm

Overly rigid hierarchies can be bad, but hidden hierarchies which arise without formal consent or guidance can often be worse.

Yes, the problem isn't hierarchy but useless management.

Mismanagement can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. And we will inevitably blame the shape and size. Anything else would be rude and anti-social.