Staunch? I am constantly reevaluating my positions; considering new data or hypotheticals to challenge them or debating them with myself to make sure they are worthy of me holding them.
I think the ability to adapt one's viewpoint to the addition of new information is a hallmark of maturity. It does depend on the ability to critically evaluate information, though, which is fallible in any human.
It was literally done because certain tasks were required by regulations to be approved by a vice president, so banks just handed out the VP title to everyone and their brother.