> no one seems to mind that they don't feel comfortable putting their names on the stuff the advocate for and report on.

This is a really weird interpretation of "it's editorial policy". The journalists aren't declaring anything about their confidence in what they're reporting. It's not their choice.

So why are they working at the Economist? Because (1) it's hard to get a journalism job, and (2) the Economist is a prestigious place to work.

I wouldn't read too much into it.