This was my understanding as well: SBI got their collective panties in a twist because of group on Steam making list of their projects with less than positive motive, aka helping people to avoid games they had been involved with. I think this is entirely within the rights of consumer. And then they tried to have the group's founder banned; I am console rat, so the heck I know, but isn't there side implication that if the guy would have been banned he would have lost all the games he bought by Steam?
Now, I haven't followed this situation too closely, but neither have I ignored it. I feel like seeing and listening people to talk their mind gives most of the time pretty good window into their thoughts, so at least I tried to find some videos of Belair talking about her work. I just wanted to find the whole context to her "go to marketing and twist their wrist a little" and "babypigs" comments. Didn't find everything I was looking for, but heard and saw enough to help me form my own first impression of her and her company. It's less than positive opinion now.
Summa summarum, in context of this thread's topic; I haven't seen anything what would point towards Bryer being hired having anything to do with DEI stuff directly. I also think it would be naive to hard dismiss the possibility with Microsoft link and SBI link, to SE, provably there. Even if it's by other projects than FFXIV. I think these things absolutely can be so squiggly that SE could get some benefit they see worthwhile by doing some diversity hiring for any of their projects. It's just business, come on...
And even then, then what? Well, if the proof of nepotism will be found and proven, I won't be surprised. All I can do is speak with my words and vote with my wallet.
I am not fan of Bryer's work in and with FFXIV, or some pretty lame opinions she has seen important enough to broadcast in X. But I want her and her fans to continue living their best lives. I don't play with audio on most of the time anyway.
I wish I could upvote your post more than once.