As for being published... that costs money. Who pays?
Prestigious scientific journals are usually peer-reviewed and the makeup/orientation of the reviewers determines who gets published. Usually you don't pay to get published, but if you want reprints to handout to colleagues, then you put out the cash.
Read this link to see how a prestigious journal can be corrupted by its selection of a biased editor: $cience Mag Jumps on Global Moneywagon
You really did not respond to either point.
According to your source Gonzalez has a “stellar” (humor intended?) publication record. So, he was heard. Just not hired.
And, “Who pays” is not answered by pointing out aspects of the peer review structure. It is properly answered by identifying who buys, or otherwise subsidizes, the journal (not the reprints).