And trust me, you wouldn't want to be having a direct line with the executives. There is a reason why narcissists and pyschopaths rise up the corporate ladder.

I once had a direct line with the CTO and CEO of a startup and it was hell. They would call me at odd hours and put meetings at random times, even during vacations! So, the manager guy is like your noise cancelling headphone, who prevents you from all the noise and takes the heat.