I've thought it over, gradually, for months, and have reached the following conclusion: Boukalov's dimensionality hypothesis does not explain personal reasons for the exaltation of base functions. In particular, ENFJ capacities for persuasion seem to have nothing to do with their strong desire to be liked -- even if they were poor in these, their attempts to influence the emotions around them in such manner as to increase their popularity would continue unabated. (though they would probably feel frustrated or even depressed). The importance they place on Fe, therefore, must have nothing to do with their considerable capability, which is little more than an evolved convenience.
Thus the "functions" and the "positions" must be two wholly distinct cognitive entities. The position determines the importance placed on the function by the person and their attitude towards it; the function's fitness determines their actual ability to use the function effectively.