The fact signalling is independent of a thing's merits is part of the reason it's such a thought-terminating cliché.
If someone asks why so many young dancers learn ballet, I can say "signalling" and consider the question answered without having to engage with the availability of instruction, tradition, structure and organisation, how ballet differs from other forms of dance, or really engage in any detailed exploration of the subject at all.
If someone asks why so many young dancers learn ballet, I can say "signalling" and consider the question answered without having to engage with the availability of instruction, tradition, structure and organisation, how ballet differs from other forms of dance, or really engage in any detailed exploration of the subject at all.