Choosing substitutability between dimensions is the same act as weighting them

Evidence

The issue of substitutability is closely connected to the relative importance of dimensions. Almost by definition a necessary condition is more important than one that can be substituted for. Thus, to make a decision about substitutability is also to make a decision about weighting. Nevertheless, within a necessary condition or family resemblance framework one can vary the individual weights of the substitutable or necessary dimensions. — Gary Goertz, Social Science Concepts, 307

Categorization

• SEED: Article angle: every time a researcher decides two indicators can trade off for each other, they have already silently assigned weights — substitutability decisions are weighting decisions in disguise.
• XREF: Parallels the reader’s institutional-design notes on reputational systems: substitutable enforcement mechanisms play the same role as substitutable concept dimensions.