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As someone who has worked with academics, the more specialised the person, the less common sense they seem to hold onto.
As such, if this was outside their PhD specialisation, then it'd absolutely make sense that this wouldn't occur to them.
My professor (computer science - NP complete problems specific) had a theory.
Higher up your education, more and more you learn about less and less.
I am convinced he accidentally stumbled across Buddhism all on his own (he was a religious Christian, the generous, do not judge others kind). Because Buddha seems to have done his PhD in nothing. Even "wrote" the whole dissertation on nothingness.
I'd like to report that the more specialized a medical doctor is, the less common sense they have.
Had a doctor chew me out because he couldn't be bothered to simply turn the computer on.
That was the issue. Pushing a button was beneath him. Cool man, I'm the only one here at this hour and the phones have to be manned constantly. That ticket can go to another department and wait until they come in morning.
Also, low priority and I noted that the doctor refused to simply turn it on.
I think that ticket sat there for over a month.
My university basically gave up with a couple of professors. They hired a personal assistant, full time, just to try and keep them organised. They apparently settled on 3 phone calls, to make sure they made lectures on time. It even extended to things like reminding them to actually get their wives birthday presents, and personal book keeping.
It seems the human brain has a capacity limit. The more specialist knowledge shoved in, the less room for more normal knowledge. Eventually it displaces even the most basic common sense.
Meet the German word Fachidiot: (derogatory) A person who is only interested in their own trade or research area and has few or no other interests or skills.