RR is certainly not one of the best German economists abroad. But he is a very good one. His top 5 is without a big shot like so many other top 5s. Almost none of his papers are with big shots. He has many highly cited top fields. But sure, he ain’t no Schneider, Doepke, Piazessi, Krueger. Why the emotions with this guy? Just take him for what he is. A very good but no star economist. Good enough for a good placement in Germany if he wants it? All day long.Again, the issue is not his publication output, but his past interactions with German departments. People don't forget these kinds of things.
The question is whether this justifies eternal punishment or a more stringent vetting process?