Your impression of Harvard PhDs is too shaped by Harvard undergrads, Business School and School of government products. Harvard actually has some really good science programs. Used to work with a guy, Big Al, who had PhD in physics from there. Smartest guy I ever worked with, and very down to earth.
A lot depends on where and in what circumstances they grew up. Plus where they did their undergrad work.
You are chock full of stuff I never knew, and I am glad to learn it. And, how is it that everyone knows a guy named “Big Al?” :-)
In reality, during the times I worked at a university and a junior college as a secretary, I would say hands down the science people were the best. They were smart, real, down to earth, funny and fun. What more can you ask for? I went on a few biology field trips and they are lifetime memories.
Now that you mention it, one of the lab assistants was the most “into guns” person I ever met.