[QUOTE=ArchiveGuy]
I’ve always been bothered by B.J. Novak’s appearance in the opening credits of The Office. AFAIC, there are 4 main leads, and his Ryan (as well-played as it is) is no more important than Angela or Kevin or Toby.
But Novak’s also an associate producer and writer on the show, so surprise-surprise, he gets much higher billing.
[/QUOTE]
It also might be due to his role getting grandfathered in from the British version, in which it is bigger than any of the other random office people. And I can certainly imagine that once he is in the opening credits, he can not be removed, either for contractual reasons or just because it would seem like a slap in the face.
But your basic point is certainly sound.