I can confirm a 9 block rating was done at mid year review. The rating was put in the manager comments. This was the first time I remember it being done ever at mid year. It was communicated to me in my review and I confirmed it was in the comments when I approved. I went back and confirmed it had not changed after I approved. Rumor is they will use that as justification for the RIF and it will prevent rehire if you are in the outer elbow.
I have to say - not the same company I remember joining and lots of firsts this time. No communication at all, people put in outer elbow with no warning after good reviews and ratings previously, 9 block ratings at mid year, cutting of MIP, secrecy at all levels including Directors being kept in the dark and the rumor mill going for over a month with no one trying to keep it from affecting productivity.
Source: @IJ9Rhiw-2vmu