That's a very poor reason. Hughes the Hibby would make the same move as Butcher. Going up (which I don't see Hibs as being) means success. If Hartley got a move to Manchester United on the basis of winning the league with ICT, that would be a great compliment. Employing someone because they are never going to be great but they might just stay, is a truly awful reason.
I'd still really like to know the actual reason for going for Hughes. Not speculation (even if Renegade is quite probably along the right lines) but something tangible from a well connected source. What made the Board choose Hughes over a prospect like Hartley or a seasoned successful manager like, say, Calderwood or maybe Sturrock (and it doesn't really matter if you like them - I could understand why they would be chosen)? I struggle to believe either Hartley (a part-timer) or Calderwood (desperate to get back into it) would have made huge demands. So, just what was it?
Oh, to be a fly on the wall.