Getting an advanced degree in, say, CS, qualifies me to work for many different companies. Racking up karma posting mathematically rigorous research on the Alignment Forum qualifies me to work at one (1) place: MIRI. If I take the “PhD in CS” route, I have power to negotiate my salary, to be selective about who I work for. Every step I take along the Alignment Forum path is wasted[1] unless MIRI deigns to let me in.
Getting an advanced degree in, say, CS, qualifies me to work for many different companies. Racking up karma posting mathematically rigorous research on the Alignment Forum qualifies me to work at one (1) place: MIRI. If I take the “PhD in CS” route, I have power to negotiate my salary, to be selective about who I work for. Every step I take along the Alignment Forum path is wasted[1] unless MIRI deigns to let me in.
Not counting positive externalities
See my reply to benjamin upthread.