Actually, she's just a nicer, more composed Rosie O'Donnel; who was reframing all of daytime talk away from human interest stories until fascist demagogue Tom Selleck drew her out of political complacency.
Nationwide broadcast television is not some department store or school district where you promote people based on seniority and diversity. A position with only three possible slots in its entire industry should not be expected to "look like America."
Tina Fey is far too successful to ever consider hosting a late night show And she is already working on her new show on FOX
Pocket change compared to the compensation package for just about any non-scripted broadcast host. Really just looks like a $5 million severance package, not even that if there's a non-compete clause.
Kilborn wanted to do prime time work of some kind; but with NBC announcing Leno's replacement five years early and Letterman staying put, he also saw that he peaked and just walked.