But they were already a tight in-group. The difference was that now their combined output can provide additional insights not available before. I don't think that part is a problem. Expertise circles have always existed ( and will likely remain so for a while ).

The issue I am having is how members of the potential in-group is identified.

That said said:

<< Talent won’t get you there anymore.

Talent might not get you to the table, but you can make your own table now if you have useful like minds.

From my experience in research this was already the case 15 years ago (and from older peers, way before). Science has always has "in-groups". I forget the name of some philosopher in the 50's who was the opinion science is just a bunch of fads and it takes the old generation to die before a new idea can really be accepted.