I am an astronomer, and I feel that this would not be a factor in my equation. I would pick the position that gives me the most resources to accomplish interesting science. My peers do not evaluate me based on whether I am a "leading figure" in an agency. They evaluate me on my scientific accomplishment. So I want a large research grant that gives me plenty of time on a computer cluster (if I was an observer I would be asking for telescope time) and a research team of clever and motivated postdocs to conduct amazing science.